University Assistant postdoctoral in the research area of Sanskrit Philosophy

About the opportunity

The University of Vienna is seeking a postdoctoral University Assistant in the research area of Sanskrit Philosophy to join Prof. Elisa Freschi’s research team. The team focuses on the history of philosophy in the Sanskrit cosmopolis, specifically exploring the Mīmāṃsā school, debates on commands and deontics, Sanskrit philosophy of action and law, and the Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta school. The successful candidate will engage in high-level research, teaching within BA and MA philosophy programs, and administrative duties.

Salary and benefits

• Basic salary of EUR 5,014.30 (paid 14 times a year), with potential increases based on professional experience.
• Fixed-term contract for 3 years, renewable for another 3 years (up to 6 years total).
• Flexible working hours and options for remote/hybrid or part-time work upon agreement.
• Access to over 600 free internal further training and coaching courses.
• Workplace located in the center of Vienna with good public transport connections.

Who can apply?

• Completed doctoral studies in Sanskrit philosophy (PhD can be from a department of Philosophy, Religion, or South Asia, provided the main focus was Sanskrit philosophy).
• PhD thesis must be defended before the contract begins.
• Proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals or with academic presses.
• Research interests in at least one of the following: philosophy of the Mīmāṃsā school, philosophy of the Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta school, epistemology in Sanskrit philosophy, philosophy of language in Sanskrit philosophy, or deontics in Sanskrit philosophy.
• Proficiency in Sanskrit.
• Prior teaching experience.
• Excellent knowledge of English (C1 level).
• Organizational skills and willingness to organize academic events (reading groups, talks, workshops).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Knowledge of German or willingness to acquire proficiency within 2 years (highly desirable but not strictly required).
• Knowledge of another Indian language (e.g., Maṇipravāḷam, Tamil, Bengali) or Tibetan (desirable).

Required documents

• Letter of motivation
• Academic CV
• List of publications and proof of teaching experience (if available)
• Two article-length writing samples or publications
• Summary of research interests and plans (maximum 2 pages)
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• Contact details of three references (letters will be requested for longlisted candidates only)

When to apply

• Application deadline: 2026-10-09
• Preferred start date: Early 2027
• Online interviews are expected to take place on or around Friday, November 27, 2026.

How to apply

• Submit application via the university's job portal using the 'Apply now' button.