University Assistant postdoctoral in the research area of Sanskrit Philosophy Universität Wien

Job description:

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an

University Assistant postdoctoral in the research area of Sanskrit Philosophy

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence. Ready to be part of our team? Let’s shape the future together!

The contract is for 3 years and renewable for another 3 years (6 years in total).

Your workplace:

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will become part of Prof. Elisa Freschi's research team. The team conducts research in the history of philosophy in the Sanskrit cosmopolis. The team's research currently focuses on a) the Mīmāṃsā school and especially the contribution of Kumārila Bhaṭṭa to epistemology, philosophy of language and philosophy of ritual; b) the debate on commands and on deontics, especially through the work of Maṇḍana Miśra; c) Sanskrit philosophy of action and of law, especially through the work of Medhātithi; d) the Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta school and especially the contribution of Veṅkaṭanātha to philosophy of religion. 

Further information can be found here:
https://elisafreschi.com 

Your future tasks:

We expect you to actively participate in research, teaching, and administration at the Department of Philosophy and in Prof. Elisa Freschi’s research team.  This involves the following:

• You produce excellent research in philosophy.
• You take part in and help organizing research activities such as reading groups, workshops, visiting talks.
• You publish in peer-reviewed journals and give research presentations.
• You apply for third-party funding for your research.
• You prepare and complete a habilitation (if this is beneficial to your career)
• You contribute to teaching within the BA and MA philosophy programs by independently teaching courses to the extent to which you are required according to the collective bargaining agreement.
• You supervise students in your areas of competence.
• You participate in evaluation measures and in quality assurance.
• You take on administrative and organizational tasks.

Your profile:

Required:

• Completed doctoral studies in Sanskrit philosophy  (the PhD title could have been awarded within a department for the study of Philosophy, but also within one for the study of Religion or for the study of South Asia, provided the main focus of study has been Sanskrit philosophy). The thesis needs to have been defended before the beginning of this contract.
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or with presses (appropriate for the career stage) 
• Research interests in at least one of the following fields: philosophy of the Mīmāṃsā school; philosophy of the Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta school; epistemology in Sanskrit philosophy; philosophy of language in Sanskrit philosophy; deontics in Sanskrit philosophy.
• Command of Sanskrit
• Teaching experience
• Excellent knowledge of English (C1)
• Organizational skills and willingness to organize events, including reading groups, talks, workshops
• Ability to work in a team towards joint goals, such as co-authored articles, co-edited volumes and co-organised events
• Ability to commit to realistic goals and to complete them in the allotted time

Desirable:

• Knowledge of German or willingness to acquire proficiency within 2 years
• Knowledge of another Indian language (especially Maṇipravāḷam, Tamil, Bengali) or of Tibetan
• Note that many courses at the University of Vienna are taught in English, so knowledge of German is not strictly required. However, knowledge of German is highly desirable

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

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 in the center of beautiful Vienna 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.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year) for a period of 3 years (renewable for another 3 years to 6 years in total) increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

In order to apply, please submit the following:

• A letter of motivation
• Your academic CV
• A list of your publications and proof of teaching experience (if available)
• Two article-length writing samples or publications
• A summary of your research interests and plans (max. 2 pages)
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• Contact details of three persons who can provide letters of reference (letters will be requested for longlisted candidates only)
• Apply via our job portal/ Apply now – button

Selection procedure:Please consider that after the long-list is completed, we will contact your letter-writers for recommendations, ask you to join a reading group for at least one meeting, and that there will be an online interview, presumably on or around Friday November 27. Preferred start date: Early 2027.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Univ.-Prof. Elisa Freschi  

elisa.freschi@univie.ac.at

Please note: The professorship will begin on September 1, 2026. Emails sent to the address listed in this posting will be monitored before the start date.

We look forward to new personalities in our team! 
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 09/10/2026 

Apply now