University assistant predoctoral

Among the many good reasons to want 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 their continuous striving and curiosity in order to be able to be scientifically successful. Does that sound like something for you? Welcome to our team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

A predoctoral assistant position at the Institute for Prehistory and Historical Archaeology is being advertised in the field of Metal Age lifeworlds. The position is closely related to Katharina Reay-Salisbury’s research group ‘Body and Material Culture’ and is dedicated in particular to bio-archaeological research on features and finds from research and rescue excavations.

Your future tasks:

The predoctoral assistant is expected to participate in ongoing research projects and develop a dissertation on Bronze or Iron Age burial or settlement features. The integration and understanding of bioarchaeological data is a prerequisite. We offer the opportunity to work in an international and interdisciplinary team with a range of theoretical and methodological approaches and research traditions. Participation in research, teaching and administration:

• Participation in research projects
• Participation in publications / scientific articles / lecturing activities
• Completion of a dissertation agreement within 12 months is expected
• Participation in and independent teaching of courses to the extent of the provisions of the collective agreement
• Supervision of students
• Participation in the organisation of meetings, conferences and symposia
• Participation in institute activities, teaching and research Administration

This is part of your personality:

• Successful applicants will have a Master's degree in Prehistory and Historical Archaeology or a related discipline in hand before starting the position.
• You will have knowledge in a specialized field of bio-archaeology (e.g. osteology, zoology) through education or practical experience (e.g. Master's thesis with relevant topic, participation in field schools or work in relevant research projects).
• You will have excavation experience, including experience in digital documentation, interpretation and reporting.
• Knowledge of digital image processing and geographic information systems (preferably QGIS) is desirable.
• You will have advanced knowledge of German (C1) after the initial contract period.
• You will have demonstrated skills in written and spoken English as an important basis for working in our international team. 
• First experiences in scientific project work will be of advantage.

What we offer:

The position is 30 hours per week.
The earliest starting date is 1 November 2025.

The contract period is four years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship will be automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not submit a non-extension declaration within the first 12 months.

The gross monthly salary is € 2.786,10 and corresponds to salary group B1 of the collective agreement (https://personalwesen.univie.ac.at/en/jobs-recruiting/salary-scheme/) relevant work experience and marital status may have an impact on the actual salary. Duties include health insurance, social security and retirement benefits.
The place of work is Vienna if you do not travel for research and conference purposes. A workspace in a shared office will be provided. Home office can be arranged in some cases. We value a high degree of flexibility in working hours, especially with regard to the applicants' care obligations.

It is that easy to apply:

Applications can be submitted in German or English and include

• a cover letter/motivational letter (max. 2 pages)
• a brief description of the dissertation project (max. 2 pages)
• a chapter of the Master's thesis or a scientific publication
• a curriculum vitae
• copies of degree certificates