About the opportunity
The University of Vienna invites applications for a Tenure Track Professorship in Medieval German Literature (Ältere deutsche Literatur). The successful candidate will contribute to the field through outstanding research, dedicated teaching, and active collaboration. The role requires a broad chronological and methodological approach, specifically covering the High or Late Middle Ages, and expertise in philological and linguistic foundations, as well as current cultural and literary studies (e.g., Gender Studies, material philology, or historical narratology). The position is based at the Institute for German Studies and is integrated into the ‘Middle Ages and Early Modern Period’ section of the faculty’s DocSchool.
Salary and benefits
- Opportunity to obtain a permanent position and promotion to University Professor.
- Initial six-year fixed-term contract as Assistant Professor.
- Permanent contract as Associate Professor following positive evaluation of a qualification agreement.
- Competitive salary according to the collective agreement for university employees (Level A2).
- Company pension scheme.
- Dynamic research environment with world-class collections, archives, and libraries.
- Broad range of support services for research and teaching.
Who can apply?
- Doctorate/PhD.
- Two years of international research experience during or after doctoral studies.
- Outstanding research achievements, excellent publications, and success in third-party funding projects.
- International reputation.
- Competencies in gender and diversity.
- Experience in designing and participating in research projects, ability to lead research groups, and ability to secure third-party funding.
- Passion for excellent teaching and supervision at Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels.
- 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 (in English).
- Academic CV (in English) including: educational background, academic degrees (PhD certificate as PDF), previous positions, family or other care periods, awards and honors, functions in scientific committees, previous and current cooperation partners, list of third-party funding and inventions/patents, list of most important scientific presentations (max. 10), teaching and mentoring experience, and supervision experience (Master and PhD).
- List of publications (in English).
- Link to a public ORCID entry with a complete and current publication list.
- Full text of the three most important publications (PDF, max. 30 MB).
- Research statement (in English) including: most important research results (max. 2 pages), planned future research activities (max. 4 pages), summary of the three most important publications relevant to the position, and publication strategy.
- Teaching and supervision statement (in English) including: teaching and supervision concept with current and planned focuses (max. 2 pages) and teaching evaluations (if available, PDF).
When to apply
- Application deadline: September 15, 2026.
How to apply
- Apply exclusively via the "Jetzt bewerben" (Apply Now) link provided on the official job page.
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 in Medieval German literature with a focus on High or Late Middle Ages.
- Researchers with a strong track record in securing third-party funding and leading research groups.
- Academics experienced in interdisciplinary approaches including Gender Studies or material philology.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must be prepared to acquire German language proficiency within three years for teaching and committee duties.
- The role is strictly on-site in Vienna, requiring relocation if not already based there.
- The initial six-year contract is contingent upon a positive evaluation of a qualification agreement for permanent status.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This tenure-track position is ideal for an ambitious researcher seeking a stable, long-term academic career path in a prestigious European university. It offers the structural support of the University of Vienna's DocSchool and a clear progression from Assistant to Associate Professor, making it a perfect fit for someone ready to transition into a leadership role within a dynamic, research-intensive department.
Our take
This is an excellent opportunity for established scholars in Medieval German studies looking for a permanent professorship in a supportive, world-class research environment.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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