About the opportunity
The University of Vienna is seeking a motivated predoctoral university assistant to join the Chair of Motivation Psychology, led by Prof. Dr. Veronika Job. This position is designed for individuals interested in research and teaching within the field of motivation psychology, with a specific focus on the psychophysiological assessment of mental effort. The successful candidate will contribute to the research team, participate in academic self-government, and support the acquisition of third-party funds. The appointment is initially for 1.5 years, with an automatic extension to 3 years unless terminated by the employer within the first 12 months. With satisfactory progress, an extension to a total of 4 years is possible.
Salary and benefits
- Monthly salary based on a 30-hour work week (pro-rated from a full-time base of EUR 3,776.10)
- Flexible working hours with options for partial remote work
- Access to over 600 free internal training and coaching courses
- Integration into an international academic team
- Support for settling into life in Vienna via the Welcome Compass
Who can apply?
- Completed Master's degree or equivalent in psychology
- Excellent knowledge of methodology and statistics, specifically meta-analysis and computational modeling
- Strong competence in social and motivational psychology
- Didactic experience or experience with e-learning
- Excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 level)
Required documents
- Letter of motivation / cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Copies of diplomas and academic certificates
- Half-page summary of the Master's thesis
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-10-31
How to apply
- Prepare the required documents
- Submit the application via the official University of Vienna job portal using the 'Apply now' button
Additional information
- The position starts on 2026-12-01
- The contract is limited until 2030-11-30
- The University of Vienna encourages applications from qualified women and gives preference to female candidates in cases of equal qualification
- Job ID: 5915
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…
- Candidates with a specialized research background in psychophysiological assessment of mental effort
- Researchers proficient in advanced statistical methods like meta-analysis and computational modeling
- Individuals seeking a structured academic path that balances research, teaching, and administrative experience
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is part-time (30 hours per week), which may impact total compensation compared to full-time roles
- The initial contract is 1.5 years, with extension contingent on performance and employer review within the first year
- Applicants should be prepared to relocate to Vienna, as the role requires active participation in the institute's daily operations
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent opportunity for a recent Master's graduate in psychology to gain significant academic experience within a prestigious European university. It provides a clear, supported pathway for research development, teaching experience, and professional networking, which are essential for those aiming to pursue a PhD or a long-term career in academia.
Our take
This position is highly suitable for early-career psychologists with a strong quantitative background who are eager to contribute to motivation psychology research. Those who prefer a stable, supported academic environment with access to professional development will find this a strong fit, while those seeking full-time employment or a non-academic career path may find other options more appropriate.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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