"University assistant predoctoral"

The University of Vienna is a community of over 10,000 individuals, including approximately 7,500 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral

49 Faculty of Social Sciences
Startdate:01.04.2026 | Working hours:30 | Collective bargaining agreement:§48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited until:31.03.2030
Reference no.:5066

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,500 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

The Department of Demography, a subunit of the Faculty of Social Sciences, is seeking a predoctoral researcher to undertake their PhD thesis within the department over the next four years. Applicants should have a strong background in demography and its methods and submit a clear PhD thesis proposal related to the demographic analysis of population-environment interactions. Potential topics might include, for example, the lessons to be learned from population projections for the socio-ecological transformation, the implications of compositional changes (e.g., household size, education, aging) with respect to, e.g., differential climate vulnerability, or intergenerational equity aspects arising from the climate crisis. The position involves teaching in English, and the successful applicant will be expected to participate in the life of the department by representing the DoD at scientific conferences, helping to organise scientific and teaching events, such as conferences and the welcome event for our master’s students. The PhD student is expected to enrol in the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences (VIDSS, https://vds-sosci.univie.ac.at/), where they can receive support on PhD-related matters and participate in free training sessions.

The Department of Demography at the University of Vienna is a pillar of the Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (WIC), a world-leading institution specialising in population research. You will join a dynamic research environment comprising over 60 scientists from more than 20 countries and representing a wide range of social science disciplines.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching and administration, which means:

• Developing and strengthening your independent research profile
• High-quality research, international presentation and publication activity
• Collaborating on research studies with a dynamic team of demographic experts
• Participate in the doctoral programme of the VIDSS, complete 30 ECTS through course attendance and external activities (see detail here: https://vds-sosci.univie.ac.at/doctoral-programme/)
• You hold courses independently within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement
• Involvement in the department’s administration, in research dissemination and in scientific and teaching activities.

This is part of your personality:

Your profile:

• You completed a Master’s degree in Demography, Quantitative Sociology, Economics, Social Statistics, Human Geography or a closely related discipline with a focus on quantitative methods.
• You have an excellent knowledge of demography and its methods.
• You have written an excellent master thesis on a demographic or closely related topic.
• You have proven experience of working with demographic data.
• You excel in using statistical software, such as Python, R, or Stata.
• You are proficient in English (knowledge of German is not required).

What we offer:

The employment duration is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely.

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3,714,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all:We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• Scientific curriculum vitae
• Your master thesis
• Scientific research proposal for the thesis (1 page)
• Master’s degree (or administrative confirmation of the defence date)
• Contact details of one person who can provide a reference letter
• Via our job portal / Apply now -button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Daniela BIEGLER

daniela.biegler@univie.ac.at