About the opportunity
The University of Vienna is seeking a Full Professor of Social and Cultural Anthropology, with a specific focus on religions and religious movements. The successful candidate will represent the discipline of Social and Cultural Anthropology in its breadth, while contributing to the further development of the field and religion research at the university. The role requires extensive experience in ethnographic fieldwork and proven research achievements in areas such as religious practices, religious movements, and the relationship between religion and power, particularly in the context of global processes.
Salary and benefits
- Attractive salary according to the collective agreement for university employees (§98 UG, Level A1, individually negotiable)
- Company pension scheme
- A "start package" specifically for initiating research projects
- Comprehensive support for relocation
- Dynamic research environment and a wide range of support services for research and teaching
- Attractive working conditions in a city with high quality of life
Who can apply?
- Doctorate/PhD degree
- Outstanding research achievements, excellent publications, and success in third-party funding projects
- International reputation and proven leadership qualities
- Gender and diversity competencies
- Experience in the design and management of large research projects
- Enthusiasm for excellent teaching and supervision at Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels
- Willingness to undertake organizational and administrative tasks within the faculty, center, and/or university
- Requirement to acquire German language skills within three years to enable teaching in Bachelor's programs and participation in university committees
Required documents
- Motivation letter
- Academic CV including: education, degrees, previous positions, career interruptions, awards, committee functions, cooperation partners, third-party funding as project leader, key scientific presentations (max 10), teaching and mentoring, and supervision experience (Master and PhD)
- List of publications and link to ORCID entry
- Research statement: key research results (max 2 pages) and planned future research activities (max 4 pages), plus a summary of the five most relevant publications
- Statement on teaching and supervision: concept with previous and planned focuses (max 2 pages)
- Full text of the five most important publications
- Teaching evaluations (if available, combined in one PDF)
- Copies of academic degree certificates (mandatory, combined in one PDF)
When to apply
- Application deadline: September 15, 2026
How to apply
- Submit a single PDF file (named Lastname_Firstname.pdf) in English via email to the Dean of the Faculty, Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Pol. Dr. Michaela Pfadenhauer (dekanat.sowi@univie.ac.at).
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…
- Established scholars with a PhD and a track record of outstanding research in Social and Cultural Anthropology.
- Experts in religious movements, religious practices, and the relationship between religion and power.
- Experienced leaders capable of managing large research projects and securing third-party funding.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is on-site in Vienna, and while relocation support is provided, the candidate must be prepared for a full-time commitment in Austria.
- There is a mandatory requirement to acquire German language proficiency within three years to fulfill teaching and committee duties.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This professorship is a significant career milestone for a senior academic looking to shape the future of religious research at a major university. It offers the resources and institutional support necessary to lead large-scale ethnographic projects and mentor the next generation of scholars.
Our take
This role is best suited for an internationally recognized anthropologist ready to take on significant administrative and leadership responsibilities. Candidates who are not prepared to commit to learning German within the specified timeframe should carefully evaluate their fit.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
