University Assistant postdoctoral

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence.

Your personal sphere of play:

As one of the largest research institutions in Europe, the University of Vienna supports an exceptionally wide range of disciplines and therefore offers an outstanding infrastructure for transdisciplinary research in the humanities. We are looking for an innovative and analytical researcher for the position of a postdoctoral assistant in the History of the High Middle Ages for a period of 6 years. You will be part of the Department of History and the Institute of Austrian Historical Research and will work closely with colleagues here in Vienna as well as with international research networks.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching and administration, which involves:
•    Researching, writing and completing a (publication-ready) habilitation thesis, a second book or a research project. A planned project in the field of social and political history of the High Middle Ages with a particular focus on secular and/or ecclesiastical lordships is of advantage; and/or a planned project that includes comparative perspectives in the history of Europe in the High Middle Ages.
•    Strengthening an independent research profile
•    Publishing in highly ranked journals / conference proceedings
•    Organizing meetings, conferences, symposia and workshops
•    Being responsible for submitting project applications and acquiring third-party funding
•    Independent teaching of courses and student supervision in Medieval History as defined by the collective bargaining agreement (two courses per semester)
•    Participation in evaluation measures and quality assurance
•    Involvement in department administration, as well as in teaching and research administration

This is part of your personality: 

•    Successful applicants must have completed a doctoral degree in Medieval History or a related subject (certificate must be available by the date of employment at the latest).
•    They have a sound knowledge of several areas of high medieval European history, as well as awareness of current developments and central methods in the field.
•    They have experience with interdisciplinary theories and methods in medieval studies (e.g. digital humanities, historical auxiliary sciences, gender studies and/or global Middle Ages).
•    They have teaching experience in medieval history.
•    They work well in a team and are interested in engaging actively in the social life of the department.
•    They have or will obtain in their first two years in the position a documented fluency in German (written and spoken). Language acquisition is supported during the employment period.
•    They have very good English language skills (written and spoken).
•    They have very good Latin language skills.
•    Familiarity with procedures and structures of university administration is advantageous, as is experience abroad.

What we offer:

•    You will be employed for 40 hours/week.
•    Employment starts on September 1st, 2025.
•    Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The base salary of EUR 4,932,90 per month (14 x per year) for a period of six years will be increased if we can credit professional experience. Taxes include health insurance, social security and pension.
•    The place of work is Vienna, when not traveling for research and conferences. We provide a workspace in a shared office. 
 

It is that easy to apply:

Applications can be submitted in German or English and must include
•    a letter of motivation
•    a research proposal / outline of the habilitation thesis (2-3 pages)
•    digital versions of the dissertation thesis and two research articles
•    a CV (including a list of publications and teaching experience)
•    degree certificates