University Assistant Praedoc in the research area of Sanskrit Philosophy

About the opportunity

The University of Vienna is seeking a University Assistant (Praedoc) to join Prof. Elisa Freschi’s research team in the Faculty of Philosophy and Education. The role 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 conduct research, teach, and handle administrative tasks, with the main objective of completing a doctoral dissertation within the research group’s scope.

Salary and benefits

• Basic salary of EUR 3,776.10 (paid 14 times a year on a full-time 40h basis), with potential increases based on professional experience.
• Flexible working hours and partial remote work options.
• International academic environment with a healthy and fair working atmosphere.
• Access to over 600 free internal further training and coaching courses.
• Easy accessibility via public transport.

Who can apply?

• Completed Master's degree (or equivalent) in Sanskrit philosophy (awarded via Philosophy, Religion, or South Asia departments, provided the main focus was Sanskrit philosophy).
• Outstanding academic achievements in previous studies.
• At least intermediate knowledge of Sanskrit and a willingness to improve.
• High level of written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in IT skills (word processing, PowerPoint, study administration, and e-learning programs) or willingness to learn.
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills, including social skills for joint academic enterprises.
• Reliability and ability to commit to and complete realistic goals within allotted time.
• Desirable: Initial experience in academic work, research organization, and teaching/e-learning.
• Desirable: Knowledge of university procedures and structures.
• Desirable: Knowledge of other areas of philosophy, including other historical periods and areas of Sanskrit philosophy.
• Desirable: Experience abroad.
• Desirable: Knowledge of German or willingness to acquire it within 3 years for teaching in BA programs and committee participation.
• Desirable: Knowledge of another Indian language (especially Maṇipravāḷam, Tamil, Bengali) or Tibetan.

Required documents

• Academic CV (maximum 2 pages).
• Letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages).
• List of publications and proof of teaching experience (if available).
• Short summary of a dissertation project (approximately 900 words, including bullet-point outline and preliminary bibliography of most important sources).
• Writing sample (approximately 5,000 words, though not strict).
• Certificates and transcripts for completed Master's degree (or equivalent).
• Contact details of at least two referees who can provide letters of recommendation on request.

When to apply

• Application deadline: 2026-09-17.
• Preferred start date: Early 2027.
• Online interviews are expected to take place on or around Monday, December 7.

How to apply

• Submit application via the University of Vienna job portal using the 'Apply now' button.