Senior Scientist at the Department of Communication

Among the many reasons to research and teach at the University of Vienna there is one in particular, which has convinced around 7,500 academic staff members so far. They see themselves as personalities who need space for continuous striving for top international research and scientific excellence. At the same time they enjoy support and liberties that are not a given at other institutions.

Your personal sphere of play

The Department of Communication, a subunit of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Vienna is one of the largest and strongest research-oriented department for Communication Science worldwide. The advertised position of a Senior Scientist (postdoc) is situated within the Advertising & Media Psychology Research Group, led by Professor Jörg Matthes. The Advertising & Media Psychology Research Group deals with the impact of modern media environments on people's thinking, behavior, and opinions, using both quantitative as well as qualitative methods to conduct their research. We are looking for a Senior Scientist with several years of experience in social science research and lab management, outstanding knowledge of quantitative methods (especially experimental research, eye-tracking research), and statistical data analysis.

The position is advertised to the extent of 40 hours/week (100%) for the period of absence of the holder of the position.

Your future tasks

Active participation in research & administration, which means:

• Participation in the management of the research lab of the Advertising and Media Psychology Research Group
• Organization, coordination and implementation of various data collection and linking activities in collaboration with Professor Matthes in the fields of persuasion research/media psychology, especially on the topic of digital media (e.g., experiments, panel surveys, content analyses, eye-tracking)
• (International) publishing and presentation activities in the fields of persuasive communication, advertising and digital media
• Proposals and development of new research projects and acquisition of third-party funding
• Support in the supervision of student assistants and processing of acquired third-party funded projects
• Activities in third mission and science communication
• Participation in evaluation activities and quality assurance
• Participation in research, teaching and department administration

This is part of your personality

• You have obtained a completed doctoral/PhD degree in Communication Science or a related discipline.
• You have competence in advertising research and/or strategic political communication and persuasion research.
• You have in-depth knowledge of methods of empirical social research, especially quantitative methods and statistical data analysis as well as of programs SPSS and/or R.
• You have several years of experience in research management, such as management of third-party funded projects and research data.
• You have published your research in highly-ranked, internationally visible journals.
• You have several years of experience in acquiring third-party funded projects and project processing.
• You have experience in science communication and third mission activities.
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English
• Ability to work in teams and distinct organizational skills

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 for this advertised position in salary group B1 lit. b (postdoc) currently (2025, including salary valorization from 02/2025) is € 4.932,90 (full time). The basic salary increases if we can credit prior professional experience. The contract is limited for the period of absence of the holder of the position.

It is that easy to apply

• With a letter of intent
• With your scientific curriculum vitae
• With your list of publications and a list of your presentations
• Via our job portal / apply now – button