About the opportunity
The Institute for Legal Foundations at the University of Graz is seeking a motivated University Assistant to join its academic team. This position is designed for an early-career researcher who will pursue a doctoral degree in international law, specifically focusing on Eastern Europe. The role involves independent research, contributing to the journal ‘Review of Central and East European Law’, assisting with third-party funding applications, and participating in science-to-public outreach. The assistant will also be involved in teaching activities in German and/or English and handle administrative tasks. The University of Graz is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with flexible working models and extensive professional development opportunities.
Salary and benefits
- Gross annual salary of €52,865.40 (based on full-time employment)
- Internal professional development and training programs
- Interdisciplinary and cross-departmental collaboration opportunities
- Flexible working time models and support for work-life balance
- Access to over 375 affordable sports courses at the University Sports Institute (USI)
- Inclusive and diverse working environment
Who can apply?
- Completed diploma or master's degree in Law with above-average academic performance
- Very good knowledge of international law and related fields (e.g., international or European human rights protection)
- Interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of law, humanities, and political science
- Excellent command of German (written and spoken)
- Very good command of English (additional foreign languages are desirable)
- Comprehensive computer skills
- Relevant practical experience in the legal or academic field is desirable
- Team-oriented with a passion for scientific work
Required documents
- Motivation letter
- Academic curriculum vitae
- Proof of completion of the required degree
- Language proficiency certificate as required by the doctoral curriculum (if the doctoral program is not in the applicant's first language)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-11-02
- Expected start date: November 2026
How to apply
- Prepare all required documents in digital format
- Submit the application exclusively through the official web-based applicant tool provided on the University of Graz job portal
Additional information
- The position is limited to a duration of four years
- The position is for 30 hours per week
- The University of Graz explicitly encourages applications from qualified women, especially for scientific positions, and provides priority consideration in cases of underrepresentation
- Applications from individuals with disabilities who possess the required qualifications are welcome
- Reference number: 232 / 2026 / 2110
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 a law graduate looking to pursue a PhD while gaining professional experience in an academic setting.
- Strong fit for researchers with a specific interest in international law and Eastern European legal studies.
- Excellent opportunity for those seeking to build a career in academia through teaching, publishing, and research project management.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is fixed-term for four years, which is standard for doctoral assistantships but requires planning for the post-contract period.
- Applicants must be prepared to work in a bilingual environment, as teaching and research tasks may require proficiency in both German and English.
- The role is part-time (30 hours/week), which should be balanced against the demands of doctoral studies.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is a structured pathway for an early-career legal scholar to complete a doctoral degree while being fully integrated into a prestigious research institute. It provides the necessary financial support, academic mentorship, and professional network to transition from a master's graduate to a doctoral researcher, while simultaneously building a portfolio in teaching and academic administration.
Our take
This is a highly suitable opportunity for law graduates who are ready to commit to a four-year doctoral research project in international law. Candidates who value interdisciplinary collaboration and are looking for a supportive, institutionalized academic environment will find this role particularly rewarding.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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