About the opportunity
The University of Vienna invites applications for a fully funded PhD position within the FWF-funded research project “Bodies of Knowledge: Use-Based Expertise Beyond Biomedicine,” led by PI Sophie Juliane Veigl. The project investigates how expertise is produced and negotiated in communities that engage with steroid hormones outside conventional healthcare settings, integrating qualitative social science methods with philosophical analysis. The successful candidate will develop an original doctoral project involving an empirical case study of a community using steroid hormones, supervised by Sophie Juliane Veigl, and will be part of the Doctoral Program in Philosophy and the Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy.
Salary and benefits
- Fully funded four-year (3+1) PhD position (30 hours/week).
- Basic salary of EUR 3,776.10 (14x/year, based on a full-time 40h schedule); salary may increase based on credited professional experience.
- Close supervision and mentoring throughout the doctoral project.
- Structured training in qualitative empirical research methods.
- Hands-on experience with participatory research and community-engaged scholarship.
- Opportunities for collaborative publications and interdisciplinary research.
- Funding for conference participation, research visits, workshops, and fieldwork.
- Opportunities to build an international academic network.
- Flexible working hours and partial remote work options.
Who can apply?
- Master's degree in Philosophy or a related discipline.
- Strong interest in philosophy of science and Science and Technology Studies (STS).
- Interest in questions of expertise, biomedical technologies, and science-society relations.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Enthusiasm for collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
- Genuine interest in learning participatory research and qualitative methods (prior experience not required).
Required documents
- Motivation letter (including a ~1 page project sketch proposing an empirical case study of a community that uses steroid hormones).
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Master's Degree/Diploma.
- One letter of recommendation.
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-09-23.
- Expected start date: December 2026 (with some flexibility).
How to apply
- Submit application via the university's job portal by clicking the "Apply now" button.
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…
- Master's degree holders in Philosophy or related disciplines.
- Individuals with a keen interest in Science and Technology Studies (STS) and philosophy of science.
- Candidates eager to learn qualitative empirical research methods and engage in participatory research.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is a 30-hour/week contract, which differs from a standard full-time academic appointment.
- The role requires developing an original empirical case study, which may be a shift for those coming from purely theoretical philosophical backgrounds.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between philosophy and social science. It is perfect for a researcher aiming to gain hands-on experience in community-engaged scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration, providing a solid foundation for a career in STS or contemporary philosophy.
Our take
Applicants interested in the intersection of biomedicine, ethics, and social practice should strongly consider this role. It is less suitable for those seeking a strictly traditional, non-empirical approach to philosophical research.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
