About the opportunity
The University of Vienna is seeking a predoctoral University Assistant to join the Spatial Data Science and GeoCommunication group led by Professor Krzysztof Janowicz. The successful candidate will work within an international, interdisciplinary team of researchers focusing on GeoAI, geo-semantics, cognitive/behavioral geography, and knowledge graphs. The role involves pursuing a PhD while actively participating in research, teaching, and administration. The candidate will also become a member of the “Vienna International School of Earth and Space Sciences” (VISESS) doctoral school.
Salary and benefits
- Basic salary of EUR 3,776.10 (on a full-time basis, paid 14 times per year as of January 1, 2026), with potential increases based on professional experience.
- Flexible, family-friendly working hours and partial remote work (telework) within Austria upon agreement.
- Workplace located in the center of Vienna with good public transport connections.
- Access to over 600 free internal training and coaching courses.
- Employment duration of 4 years (initially limited to 1 year, with automatic extension to 4 years if not terminated within the first 12 months).
Who can apply?
- Completed Master's or Diploma degree in Geoinformatics, GIScience, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Data Science, Geography, Digital Humanities, Philosophy, Communication Studies, Computational Social Sciences, or related disciplines.
- Candidates who have not yet finished their Master's thesis must complete it by the start of the position in fall/winter 2026.
- Ability to identify and explain the overlap between the group's research (GeoAI, knowledge graphs, knowledge representation, AI ethics, social sensing) and their own research ideas.
- English language skills are required.
- Experience using (Spatial) Data Science libraries and/or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Software engineering and programming skills.
- Experience in scientific writing and research methods.
- Candidates with core interests in physical geography, civil engineering, and remote sensing are not being hired for this position.
Required documents
- Scientific curriculum vitae (CV).
- One-page motivation statement including research interests and their relation to the group's research (must be authored by the candidate, not AI).
- Degree certificates.
- List of publications (if available).
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-09-11.
- Job vacancy starting: 2026-10-01.
How to apply
- Apply via the university's job portal using the "Apply now" button.
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…
- Master's graduates in GIScience, Data Science, or related fields interested in a PhD.
- Researchers eager to work on GeoAI, knowledge graphs, and spatial data science.
- Candidates looking for an interdisciplinary, international academic research environment.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is a 4-year commitment, initially limited to 1 year pending extension.
- The role requires a balance of research, teaching, and administrative duties.
- Candidates must be able to start in fall/winter 2026 and be based in Vienna.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a prime opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue a PhD while being fully funded and integrated into a prestigious doctoral school. It provides the resources and network necessary to build a career in academic or applied spatial data science.
Our take
Highly motivated Master's graduates with a clear research vision in the group's focus areas should apply. Those interested in physical geography or remote sensing are explicitly excluded.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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