About the opportunity
The University of Vienna invites applications for a Scientific Project Assistant (Predoctoral) position within the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology. The successful candidate will work on the research project ‘Cycling Together/Bersepeda Bersama: Mobility, Mediation, and Ways of Knowing in Yogyakarta, Indonesia,’ led by Associate Professor Sanderien Verstappen and funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). The appointee will carry out an ethnography of everyday utility cycling practices in Yogyakarta, enroll as a PhD student in the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences, and participate in coursework, research administration, and academic publications. The position starts on January 15, 2027, with an initial one-year contract that is renewable for an additional three years, up to a maximum duration of four years.
Salary and benefits
- Four-year employment contract (initial contract for one year, renewable for three additional years based on performance).
- Basic monthly salary of EUR 3,776.10 on a full-time basis (30 hours per week), with possible increases based on accredited prior professional experience.
- Enrollment in the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences with opportunities to take free internal further training and coaching courses.
- Flexible working hours and partial remote work options to support work-life balance.
- Integration into an international academic team with good public transport connections.
Who can apply?
- Recently completed or near-to-completion Master's degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology, or a related degree in the Social Sciences with elective courses in Social and Cultural Anthropology.
- Demonstrated experience in on-site ethnographic fieldwork, with an adaptable and sensitive approach to different fieldsites.
- Excellent command of English (C1 level) and at least one Indonesian language (minimum Bahasa Indonesia).
- Effective academic writing and speaking skills alongside a high level of social skills and self-organization.
- Strong interest in social inequality, diversity, and utility cycling methods is recommendable.
Required documents
- Letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages).
- Brief proposal for a research project on utility cycling (maximum 2 pages).
- Master's degree or diploma certificate.
- Official university transcript of records listing courses taken and grades obtained.
- Master's thesis as a writing sample (or a section of the thesis if not yet completed).
- Scientific curriculum vitae including email addresses for two referees and a list of outcomes from ethnographic fieldwork conducted so far.
When to apply
- Application deadline: November 4, 2026.
- Job interviews will be held via Zoom in November 2026.
- Job vacancy starting date: January 15, 2027.
How to apply
- Prepare all required application documents in English.
- Submit the application package online via the University of Vienna career portal by the specified deadline.
Additional information
- The position requires a 30-hour working week and is classified under §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- The initial contract lasts until January 14, 2028, and can be extended to January 14, 2031, subject to satisfactory performance.
- For inquiries regarding the position, contact Associate Professor Sanderien Verstappen via email at sanderien.verstappen@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…
- Ideal for early-career researchers holding a recent Master's degree in anthropology who are eager to pursue a structured PhD within a major European doctoral school.
- Well-suited for scholars with prior ethnographic fieldwork experience in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, and proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia.
- A strong match for candidates passionate about mobility studies, urban social inequalities, and alternative transportation practices like utility cycling.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires relocation or travel for extended on-site ethnographic fieldwork in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, during the second year of the project.
- The initial contract is limited to one year and depends on performance review for extension up to four years.
- Language requirements are strict, demanding both C1-level English and working proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers a fully funded pathway to a PhD degree while providing dedicated financial support, institutional backing, and international fieldwork experience. It serves as an excellent stepping stone for an academic career focused on Southeast Asian studies, anthropology, or critical urban mobility research.
Our take
Applicants with a strong background in social anthropology, Indonesian language skills, and ethnographic fieldwork experience should seriously consider applying. Those without relevant fieldwork experience or language preparation may find the requirements challenging to meet.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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