University Assistant Predoc at the Department of Communication

University Assistant Predoc at the Department of Communication

49 Faculty of Social Sciences
Startdate: 01.06.2026 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited until: 31.05.2030
Reference no.: 5491

The University of Vienna Research Platform ‘Trustworthy Science Communication’ announces a PhD position at the Department of Communication.

Members of the research platform will conduct science communication research with a specific focus on the question of trust in science. This research will be interdisciplinary, and led by researchers in Communication Science, Computer Science, Psychology, and Science and Technology Studies.
Together, we will examine public trust in science through cutting-edge research on science communication. Our research will be built on the understanding that public trust in science is complex, shaped by perceptions of trustworthiness, communication practices, and shifting social and political contexts. Trust cannot be assumed or manufactured; it must be earned through consistent integrity, transparency, and responsiveness. Because political developments, media narratives, and societal change continually challenge the relationship between science and the public, trust must be actively maintained. Addressing this challenge requires an interdisciplinary approach, as trust in science is conceptualized differently across fields. By integrating these perspectives, this platform aims to advance research on the foundations and practice of trustworthy science communication.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate interest in or experience with public science communication, the capacity to carry out interdisciplinary research, and the research skills necessary to complete a PhD. The successful candidate for this position will be employed by the University of Vienna and their research project will be supervised by an interdisciplinary supervisory team from the University of Vienna. The position is advertised to the extent of 30 hours/week (75%) for a period of four years. The anticipated start date is in June 2026.

Your future tasks

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• Conduct science communication research focusing on how mediated communication and public discourse shape trust in science; we in particular aim to examine the political dimensions of science communication, including how political actors use scientific knowledge to legitimize ideas and how science communication is entangled with broader information challenges such as mis- and disinformation and societal polarization.
• We expect you to join the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences and conclude a doctoral thesis agreement within 12 months.
• You work on your dissertation and its completion.
• You hold courses and examinations independently and (co-)supervise students within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You take on administrative tasks in research and teaching.
• You become an active team member of the Research Platform "Trustworthy Science Communication and the Department of Communication, a subunit of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

This is part of your personality

• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of science communication and their original field of study.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team in a collaborative environment.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration and presenting research findings.
• Excellent English skills, both written and spoken.

In addition, the following specific requirements apply to the position advertised here

• Relevant Master’s degree (e.g. Communication Science, Political Science, Political Communication, or related disciplines)
• Knowledge of quantitative social science research methods, e.g., surveys, experimental designs, content analysis, computational social science methods
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS), and/or other programming skills (e.g., Python)
• Interest in open science principles

What we offer

Work-life balance We offer the opportunity to work remote upon agreement (maximum of 50% of working time).
Inspiring working atmosphere
An internationally-oriented team and department with outstanding research infrastructure and comfortable working environment.
Appreciative team culture
As a team, we regularly meet for exchange during team meetings and a range of team activities (team lunch, team retreat, Christmas party, etc.).
Excellent public transport connections
We offer an attractive workplace in the heart of Vienna which is easily accessible by public transport.
Internal further training & coaching
The University of Vienna offers a wide range of opportunities for internal training as well as enhancement of personal skills.
Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic monthly gross salary of EUR € 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis) in salary group B1 will be paid 14 times a year for a period of four years (i.e., the duration of the contract). The basic salary increases if we can credit prior professional experience.
The employment duration is four years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to four years if the employer does not terminate it within the first twelve months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

It is that easy to apply

• With a letter of motivation that describes your previous research achievements, your research goals, your career plans, and your reasons for applying;
• With a complete CV, including a list of previous scientific expertise, awards, grants, stays abroad, attended lectures, attended summer schools, attended workshops, skills, and publications (if applicable); With an abstract in English of your MA/MSc thesis, BA/BSc thesis, or of a research project you were involved in; With a 1-page research pitch describing an idea for a PhD dissertation within the field of political communication research, which would fit within the research focus of the “Trustworthy Science Communication” research platform; With a complete list of finalised studies and transcripts of all grades; With 1-2 names of academic references and their contact addresses (e.g., your Master’s thesis supervisor); With any other material you think is relevant Via our job portal / Apply now - button.

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Sophie Lecheler
sophie.lecheler@univie.ac.at

​Application deadline:05/24/2026