University assistant predoctoral

Over 10,000 people at the University of Vienna are working together to tackle the big questions of the future. Some 7,500 of them are academics, striving to contribute to internationally outstanding research and teaching, united in their curiosity and ambition to carry out excellent research. The University of Vienna provides the space and platform to develop your full potential. Does this sound like you? Then do join our accomplished team!

Where you will work:

Your future position will be based in the Department of Ancient History, Papyrology, and Epigraphy at the University of Vienna. Our research concerns the history of the Ancient Mediterranean from the emergence of written traditions to Late Antiquity, including the chronological, cultural, and geographical interfaces to adjacent peoples, cultures, and societies.

The Department is an integral part of the Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies, with a characteristical multitude of disciplinary approaches and methods as well as a high level of internationalisation. Especial emphasis lies on the use of primary evidence (ancient authors, inscriptions, papyri, and coins) in both our research and teaching.

The advertised position of pre-doctoral assistant is specifically aimed ancient historians with a specialism in cultural history.

In addition to independent research in the field of ancient cultural history and work towards an PhD thesis related to this subject area, you will be involved in teaching and administration of the Department of Ancient History, Papyrology, and Epigraphy. It is expected that you will be willing to contribute to the continued development of the MAPPOLA database.

Your future tasks and duties:

• Active contribution to research and teaching (with an emphasis on ancient cultural history) as well as administration
• Work towards a distinctive, independent research profile in the context of your PhD research
• Work towards your PhD thesis and its completion, in which context we expect you to pass the interim  viva (Fakultätsöffentliche Präsentation) within 12–18 months
• Contribution to the MAPPOLA database
• Publishing and presentations of your work to an international standard and to international audiences
• Independent teaching to the required amount as per the Austrian collective bargaining agreement
• Supervision of student work
• Contribution to the administration of research, teaching, and departmental matters, including in the areas of our regular publication and seminar series

Requirements:

Required:

• Completed Master's degree in a subject pertaining to the study of the Ancient Mediterranean, preferably Ancient History
• Knowledge of Latin and Ancient Greek at least equivalent to the standards of the Austrian Latinum / Graecum levels
• If German is not your native language: evidence for German proficiency at C1 level or, failing that, expression of preparedness to acquire this proficiency during the employment period

Desirable:

• Subject-related enthusiasm
• Study-abroad experience
• Experience in the field of Roman epigraphy, ideally in the sub-field of Roman verse inscriptions

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: your working hours are flexible within the constraints of taught terms, and you may also opt to work from home within limits

Inspirational atmosphere: You will be part of an international team with an excellent infrastructure for world-class research in a pleasant, inclusive working environment

Excellent transport connection: Your office is in easy reach with Vienna's public transport system

Staff training and coaching: We offer you the opportunity to benefit from the University's staff training program for you to broaden and deepen your professional skills and future employability

Fair salary: Your monthly salary of EUR 3,578.80 (full-time basis) will be increased if you have previous relevant work experience for us to take into account

Equal opportunities: We welcome absolutely every new member of staff!

How to apply:

• CV and letter of intent
• Outline of PhD project (max. one page) and concept (up to four pages)
• Writing sample of previous work (at least eight, a maximum of twelve pages)
• Diplomas/transcripts of previous studies (BA, MA/Master)
• Just hit that "Apply now" button on our job portal