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!

The predoctoral position is situated within the Media Governance and Industries Research
Lab, led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Katharine Sarikakis.

We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Research Assistant with a strong sense of
commitment to producing meaningful, high-quality research. This position is ideal for
someone who combines rigorous research skills with a deep curiosity about people and a
desire to contribute to impactful work.


The Project
GAMEHEARTS focuses on the current and potential economic, social, and cultural value of
the European videogame industry ecosystem, and in particular, its wider current and potential
importance for social and cultural life, as a driver for innovation, increased audience diversity
and wellbeing through its place in cultural heritage, the arts, and sport. The outcome of this
innovative project will be to provide an insightful map into future developments in the
videogame industry and its connections to the wider creative and cultural industries.

This is part of your personality:

• You have completed an MA / Magister degree in Communication Science or a related discipline
• You have in-depth knowledge of qualitative methods and confidence in quantitative research methods
• You are interested in international research
• You are interested in media governance, gender studies, youth studies
• Knowledge and interest in video gaming industry is an additional advantage, but not a must
• Willingness and ability to learn fast and self-direct own learning
• Excellent computer literacy
• Fluent command of written and spoken German and English
• Ability to work in an international team
• Highest degree of reliability and self motivation
• Excellent time management skills

Your future tasks:

• Research support for various project deliverables using mixed-method approach: literature review, EU documents analysis, policy analysis, conducting interviews, surveys, focus groups
• Contributing to drafting research papers within the scope of the project
• Administrative project support, liaising with partners, stakeholders, external contractors, keeping records
• Contributing to organising events such as workshops, conferences, meetings etc.
• SMM: website, Instagram and dissemination activities
• Full engagement in the Media Governance Lab

Your personal sphere of influence:

You will be working within the Horizon Europe research project “GAMEHEARTS: Games,
Heritage, Arts, & Sport: exploring the economic, social, and cultural value of the European
videogame industry ecosystem.” https://gamehearts.eu
GAMEHEARTS is a joint project coordinated by Prof. Sarikakis at the University of Vienna
in partnership with universities from the UK, Finland, Netherlands and Poland.
Your project work and dissertation will be supervised by Prof. Katharine Sarikakis.

What we offer:

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 3578,80 (before taxes for full time employment i.e. 40 hrs/ week) 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:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
• With am sample of writing, a motivation letter of no more than 350 words and two names for references
• Master Degree  /  Diploma
• Via our  job portal/ Apply now -  button