University assistant predoctoral Universität Wien

Job description:

At the University of Vienna, almost 11,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,700 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting-edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are looking for a/an ...

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 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 Rebay-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 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 have knowledge of bioarchaeology, geoarchaeology, or materials science gained through education or practical experience (e.g., master’s thesis, field school, work on a relevant research project)
• You have experience using microscopy in your field of research (e.g., botany, zoology, micromorphology, use-wear analysis)
• 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 February 2027.
• The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.
• 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.

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 3.836,10 (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:

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 pdf of the Master's thesis or a scientific publication
• a curriculum vitae
• copies of degree certificates 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Katharina Rebay-Salisbury  

katharina.rebay-salisbury@univie.ac.at

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: 12/01/2026 

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