About the opportunity
The Department of Education at the University of Vienna invites applications for a predoctoral University Assistant position within the professorship ‘School and Educational Research in an International Context,’ led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Barbara Schulte. The role focuses on the description, critical analysis, and scientific explanation of educational phenomena, including formal schooling and non-pedagogical socialization processes. The successful candidate will participate in research projects, contribute to publications, engage in teaching, and support departmental administration. A core requirement is the development and completion of an individual PhD project, with a doctoral thesis agreement to be signed within 12-18 months of appointment.
Salary and benefits
- Gross monthly salary of EUR 3,776.10 (on a full-time basis), with potential for increases based on professional experience
- Flexible working hours and partial remote work options
- Integration into an international academic team
- Access to internal further training and coaching opportunities
- Excellent public transport accessibility
Who can apply?
- Completed master's or diploma degree in educational science, educational studies, pedagogy, or a closely related field
- Professional and methodological competence in Comparative and International Education
- Excellent command of written and spoken English
- Good command of an additional foreign language
- IT user skills and ability to work in a team
Required documents
- Letter of motivation
- Academic curriculum vitae (including list of publications and evidence of teaching qualifications, if applicable)
- Proposal for the planned PhD project (max. 5 pages excluding references)
- Master's thesis
- Publications (max. 3, if applicable)
- Degree certificates
- Academic certificates
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-11-11
How to apply
- Prepare all required documents in English
- Submit the application via the official University of Vienna job portal using the 'Apply now' button
Additional information
- The position is for 30 hours per week.
- The contract is initially limited to 1.5 years and is automatically extended to 4 years unless terminated by the employer within the first 12 months.
- The University of Vienna encourages applications from qualified women and gives preference to female candidates in cases of equal qualification.
- The job ID is 5514.
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…
- Candidates with a strong background in Comparative and International Education who are eager to pursue a PhD in a research-intensive environment.
- Individuals with experience in qualitative research methods, particularly document/policy analysis and fieldwork, will be highly competitive.
- Applicants with research interests in the Global South, especially Asia, align well with the department's current focus.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires a 30-hour work week, which must be balanced with the significant commitment of pursuing a PhD.
- The contract is initially for 1.5 years with a conditional extension to 4 years, which requires careful planning regarding long-term stability.
- Applicants should be prepared to relocate to Vienna, as the role involves active participation in departmental life and teaching.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers aiming to establish themselves in the field of educational science. It provides a structured path toward a PhD while offering professional experience in teaching, administration, and international research collaboration within a prestigious European university.
Our take
This is a highly suitable opportunity for motivated master's graduates in education who are ready to commit to a 4-year doctoral program. It is less suitable for those seeking a purely research-focused role, as the position includes significant teaching and administrative responsibilities.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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