About the opportunity
The University of Vienna is seeking a predoctoral University Assistant to join the Department of Education at the Faculty of Philosophy and Education. The position is affiliated with the professorship for ‘Comparative School and Education Research’ led by Univ. Prof. Dr. Barbara Schulte. The department focuses on the critical analysis and scientific explanation of educational phenomena, covering both institutional schooling and non-institutional socialization processes. The successful candidate will work on their own dissertation project, contribute to research projects and publications, assist in teaching, support student supervision, and participate in administrative tasks, including the organization of academic conferences.
Salary and benefits
- Monthly gross salary of EUR 3,776.10 (based on full-time employment, with potential for increases based on prior experience)
- Flexible working hours with options for partial remote work
- Access to internal professional development, training, and coaching opportunities
- Integration into an international research team with excellent infrastructure
- Support for doctoral studies and academic career development
Who can apply?
- Completed Master's or Diploma degree in Education, Educational Science, Pedagogy, or a related field with a focus on education
- Expertise and methodological skills in international comparative education
- Excellent written and oral proficiency in English
- Good knowledge of an additional foreign language
- Strong team-working skills and computer literacy
- Desirable: Experience in qualitative research methods (document/policy analysis, fieldwork), interest in international educational developments, experience in research on the Global South (especially Asia), knowledge of a non-European language, and international experience
Required documents
- Letter of motivation
- Academic CV including a publication list and evidence of teaching experience (if applicable)
- Exposé of the planned dissertation project (maximum 5 pages, excluding references)
- Master's thesis
- Up to 3 own publications (if available)
- Academic certificates and diplomas
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-11-11
- Position start date: 2026-12-01
How to apply
- Prepare all required documents in English
- Submit the application via the official University of Vienna job portal using the 'Apply Now' button
Additional information
- The position is a 4-year contract, initially limited to 1.5 years with an automatic extension to 4 years unless the employer issues a non-extension notice within the first 12 months.
- The successful candidate is expected to conclude a doctoral thesis agreement within 12-18 months of starting.
- The University of Vienna is an equal opportunity employer and explicitly encourages qualified women to apply.
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 strong background in comparative education and a specific research interest in the Global South or Asian educational systems.
- Researchers who are eager to integrate their own doctoral project into a structured academic environment with teaching and administrative responsibilities.
- Individuals who possess qualitative research skills, such as policy analysis or fieldwork, and are comfortable working in a multicultural, international team.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires a significant commitment to both independent research (the dissertation) and departmental duties (teaching and administration), which may require strong time-management skills.
- The contract is initially fixed-term for 1.5 years, with the extension to 4 years contingent upon the employer's assessment during the first year.
- Applicants should be prepared to relocate to Vienna, as the role involves on-site departmental participation despite the availability of partial remote work.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers aiming to complete a PhD while gaining professional experience in a top-tier European university. It provides a stable, funded pathway for those looking to build a portfolio in academic research, teaching, and conference organization within the field of comparative education.
Our take
This is a highly suitable opportunity for motivated doctoral candidates with a focus on international comparative education. It is less suitable for those who prefer a purely research-focused role without teaching or administrative obligations.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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