University assistant predoctoral

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 field of activity:

The Chinese Studies Section of the Department of East Asian Studies at the University of Vienna invites applications for a Prae-Doc University Assistant position of the duration of 4 years. 

At the Department of East Asian Studies, we pride ourselves on offering a dynamic environment with supportive colleagues and opportunities to engage in ongoing research projects. Our Chinese Studies team currently comprises nine academic staff, three administrative personnel, and fourteen project associates. Our teaching and research activities focus primarily on contemporary Sinophone cultures and societies, with an emphasis on social transformations, state-society relations, and visual and performance cultures. We place a high value on fostering a collegial and harmonious working environment and actively encourage social and professional interaction within our team. For an insight into our team and areas of focus, please visit: https://sinologie.univie.ac.at/

Your future tasks:

You will actively contribute to the Department’s research, teaching, and administration by

• Completing a doctoral (PhD) dissertation on a topic related to the contemporary cultures of the Chinese-speaking world (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and/or other Sinophone regions) in one or more of the following subject areas: Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies (priority area); Film Studies; Visual Cultures; Cultural, Literary, and Media Studies.
• Finalizing a dissertation agreement within 12-18 months
• Producing academic publications and delivering lectures
• Participating in research projects in the abovementioned subject areas
• Participating in and independently teaching courses on cultural topics in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement
• Supervising students
• Organizing working meetings, symposia, and conferences
• Assisting with teaching and research
• Undertaking administrative tasks

Your profile:

Required qualifications (essential criteria):

• Completed Master’s degree in Chinese Studies or another cultural discipline with a thesis on a cultural topic on China and/or another Chinese-speaking region.
• A doctoral (PhD) research proposal on a topic in line with the Department’s research agendas and related to the contemporary cultures of the Chinese-speaking world (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and/or other Sinophone regions). The proposed research should be in one or more of the following subject areas: Theatre and Performance Studies (priority area); Film Studies; Visual Cultures; Cultural, Literary, and Media Studies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of critical theories and methods in Chinese Studies (with a cultural focus)
• Demonstrated knowledge of Chinese history, culture, and society
• Excellent English communication skills (written and oral, equivalent to C1 level)
• Advanced level of written and spoken Chinese
• Organizational and teamwork skills
• IT skills

Additional qualifications (desirable but non-essential criteria):

• Experience of living, studying, or working in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and/or another Chinese-speaking region
• Research experience related to China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and/or another Chinese-speaking region
• Knowledge of German
• Familiarity with university processes and structures
• Basic teaching experience
• Experience in academic publishing
• Experience in event organization
• Experience with managing websites and databases
• Web design skills (e.g., Typo 3, WordPress)

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:

The application package should include the following:

• Motivation letter in English (max 2 pages)
• Research proposal for the planned doctoral project (max 3 pages in English, plus bibliography)
• Academic Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of degree transcripts and certificates
• Summary of the Master’s thesis (in English, 1 page)
• Names and contact details of two potential referees (reference letters are not required)
• Copies of language certificates or other proof of advanced language proficiency in English and Chinese (if available)
• List of publications (if available)
• Up to 2 selected publications (if available)
• Evidence of teaching experience (if available)
• Via our job portal/ Apply now - button

We aim to notify shortlisted candidates by mid-July and hold interviews (online) shortly afterwards.