About the opportunity
The Department of Political Science at the University of Vienna’s Faculty of Social Sciences invites applications for a predoctoral University Assistant in Comparative Policy Analysis. The position is based at the Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity (CeSCoS), directed by Professor Barbara Prainsack, which investigates how solidarity impacts social justice, institutional design, and policy interventions. This temporary appointment serves as a research leave replacement running from December 1, 2026, until February 28, 2027.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary based on collective bargaining agreement (§48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe praedoc) with a full-time baseline of €3,776.10 gross per month, pro-rated to 30 hours per week and subject to increase based on recognized prior experience
- Flexible working hours and partial remote work options
- Access to over 600 free internal continuing education and coaching courses
- Integration into an international, collaborative academic research environment
- Onboarding support via the university's Welcome Compass program
Who can apply?
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in political science or a related social science discipline relevant to comparative policy analysis
- Willingness to align an existing or emerging doctoral research project with comparative policy analysis and solidarity practices
- Solid knowledge of qualitative methods and foundational knowledge of quantitative methods
- Excellent command of English as a working language
- Didactic competence and solid IT user proficiency
- Team collaboration abilities
- Desirable assets include familiarity with scholarship on solidarity, experience with text coding, familiarity with AI tools for research, e-learning experience, basic academic research experience, and international experience in diplomacy, public institutions, or international organisations
Required documents
- Letter of motivation in English
- Academic curriculum vitae including a list of publications (in German or English)
- Short doctoral project proposal of 3 to 4 pages (in German or English)
- Two selected writing samples, including the master's thesis
- Contact details of two academic referees who can be reached for written or telephone references
- Academic degree certificates
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by October 28, 2026
- Expected position start date is December 1, 2026
How to apply
- Access the official University of Vienna job portal via the vacancy announcement
- Select the Apply Now button to create or log in to your user profile
- Upload all required application materials and submit the completed electronic application before the closing date
Additional information
- This position is fixed-term until February 28, 2027, as it serves as a temporary replacement during a research leave
- Working commitment is 30 hours per week
- Informal content-related inquiries can be directed to Marlene Auer via email at marlene.auer@univie.ac.at
- The University of Vienna applies an equal opportunity policy and gives preference to female candidates when qualifications are equal
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-stage researchers in political science or social sciences with qualitative methodology skills whose doctoral research intersects with contemporary solidarity, public policy, or institutional design
- Scholars looking for immediate research, grant-writing, and conference organization experience within an established European research center
- Candidates comfortable working in English within an international academic setting who benefit from hybrid work flexibility
What should you think carefully about?
- The appointment duration is very brief (three months, from December 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027), serving strictly as a research leave cover
- Candidates not already based in or near Vienna must carefully consider relocation and living arrangements for a three-month, 30-hour part-time contract
- Applicants must already possess a finished master's thesis to submit as one of the required text samples
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This appointment is ideally suited for emerging researchers seeking a short-term, paid academic appointment that provides high-level administrative, conference, and grant-support credentials. It offers a structured way to embed oneself into CeSCoS and develop a doctoral project proposal under experienced mentorship without a multi-year institutional lock-in.
Our take
This role is an excellent fit for local or regionally mobile doctoral candidates seeking short-term institutional affiliation, funding, and publication support in comparative policy and solidarity studies. It is less suitable for candidates requiring long-term job security or comprehensive doctoral degree funding.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
