University Assistant Predoctoral

About the opportunity

The Research Group for Applied Social Psychology and Consumer Research at the Department of Occupational, Economic, and Social Psychology invites applications for a PhD position (prae doc). The group investigates how basic principles of social cognition shape people’s experiences, behaviors, and beliefs, with a focus on responses to major societal challenges such as digital transformation and sustainable and healthy consumption. As a member of the team, you will develop a doctoral thesis within one of the core research areas and contribute to an active research environment.

Salary and benefits

• A pre-doc contract with attractive working conditions and social benefits
• A gross monthly salary in salary group B1 of EUR 3,776.10 on a full-time basis (adjusted to the number of required hours)
• Structured supervision and mentoring within the COBENE doctoral school
• A dynamic, collaborative, and international research environment
• A vibrant city consistently ranked among the world’s best for quality of life

Who can apply?

• A completed Master’s degree or equivalent (Diploma) in psychology or a related discipline by the contract start date
• A strong interest in pursuing a PhD in one of the group’s core research areas
• An excellent Master’s thesis
• Experience in empirical research (e.g., internships or work as a student research assistant)
• Excellent command of quantitative methods, including proficiency in SPSS or R
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English
• Experience in programming experiments is an advantage

Required documents

• A letter of motivation
• An academic curriculum vitae
• A brief research idea (max. 2 pages + references) applying principles of social cognition to a core research area
• Copies of academic degree certificates
• A PDF copy of your Master’s thesis

When to apply

• Application deadline: September 15, 2026
• Job vacancy starting date: September 1, 2026, or later

How to apply

• Prepare a single PDF file (LastName_FirstName.pdf) containing your motivation letter, academic CV, and brief research idea
• Prepare separate files containing copies of your academic degree certificates and your Master’s thesis
• Submit your application via the Jobportal of the University of Vienna quoting reference number 6027

Additional information

• The position is initially contracted for 1.5 years and is automatically extended to 3 years unless the employer submits a non-extension declaration at least 6 months before the end of the initial term.
• A further extension to 4 years is possible following successful probation and appropriate progress.
• Working hours: 30.00 hours per week.
• Tasks include contributing to research, teaching, and administrative activities, teaching independently in Social Psychology and Consumer Psychology (on average 2 hours per semester), and developing a doctoral thesis.