University Assistant Predoc

Among the many reasons 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 continuous striving for top international research and scientific excellence. At the same time they enjoy support and liberties that are not a given at other institutions.

Your personal sphere of influence

The Department of Communication, a subunit of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Vienna is one of the largest and strongest research-oriented departments for communication science worldwide. As a predoctoral university assistant, you will contribute to Associate Professor Florian Arendt's research in the field of Health Communication, with a focus on the role of media in the health domain. The research places a strong emphasis on topics related to mental health, particularly the role of media in suicide prevention.

The position is advertised to the extent of 30 hours/week (75%) for a period of four years, with the position to be filled by August 1, 2025.

Your future tasks

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You participate in research projects and in scientific studies in the field health communication and further develop your own research interests.
• You work on a dissertation in the field of health communication and its completion.
• You participate in national and international conferences.
• You write scientific publications.
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement and participate in the supervision of students.
• You participate in evaluation measures and in quality assurance.
• The signing of a doctoral thesis agreement within 12-18 months of employment is expected.
• Contribution to the department administration is expected.

This is part of your personality

• Strong interest in exploring communication science research topics theoretically and empirically
• Completed master's/diploma studies in communication science or related disciplines such as psychology or medicine/public health
• Very good knowledge of social science quantitative research methods, especially experiments, content analysis and surveys
• Didactic skills
• Good computer skills
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Team player with high social/communicative competence
• Flexibility and commitment

What we offer

Work-life balance
You have flexible working hours including the opportunity to work part of your time remote.
 

Inspiring working atmosphere
You are a part of an international-oriented team with excellent research infrastructure in a pleasant working environment.

Appreciative team culture
You meet with colleagues for regular exchanges at team meetings and various activities such as team retreats or joint lunches.

Excellent public transport connections
Your workplace in the center of Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & coaching
The University of Vienna offers a wide range of opportunities for internal training as well as enhancement of personal skills.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic monthly gross salary for this advertised position to an extent of 75% currently (2025) is € 2.786,10 (based on a full-time equivalent of € 3.714,80) in salary group B1 and will be paid 14 times a year for a period of four years (i.e., the duration of the contract). The basic salary increases if we can credit prior professional experience.

The employment duration is four years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to four years if the employer does not terminate it within the first twelve months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

It is that easy to apply

• With your scientific CV and a letter of motivation summarizing your motivation for the position, your research interests, and previous methodological and data analysis skills
• Certificate of your completed master/diploma studies
• Via our job portal/ Apply now –  button