Postdoctoral University Assistant, Historical and Cultural Studies

The University of Vienna is a community of over 10,000 individuals, including approximately 7,500 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an University Assistant postdoctoral 

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence. Ready to be part of our team? Let’s shape the future together!

Your personal sphere of play:

Your future position will be at the Institute of Art History in the Chair of Byzantine Art History (Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies).

The research focus is on the analysis of Byzantine visual art, taking into account iconographic, stylistic, and cultural-historical questions, with a particular emphasis on Georgian culture in the Middle Ages.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You develop an independent research profile in the field of Byzantine art. Additionally, you participate in research projects and academic studies on Byzantine art, with a particular emphasis on the Caucasus, and contribute to the preparation and submission of research projects.
• You publish internationally and deliver lectures.
• You prepare and complete a habilitation ready for publication.
• You independently conduct teaching activities in accordance with collective agreement regulations.
• You contribute to evaluation measures and quality assurance.
• You take on administrative tasks in research and teaching.

This is part of your personality: 

• You hold a completed doctoral or PhD degree in Byzantine Art History, preferably with a focus on the Caucasus.
• An excellent dissertation.
• Proven research competence and initiative demonstrated through international publications in peer-reviewed media.
• Excellent English skills (C1) as well as knowledge of another foreign language, preferably Greek and/or Georgian.
• A team player with strong social and communication skills.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 4,932,90 (14 times a year) for a period of 4 years with the option to extend to a maximum of 6 years. The salary increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With a signed letter of motivation
• With your academic CV 
• With your list of publications
• Proof of language proficiency
• Contact details of referees
• Proof of completed doctoral/PhD studies
• A summary of the doctoral thesis (maximum three pages) that concisely presents the topic, objectives, methodological approach, and key findings. Additionally, the table of contents of the thesis and the evaluation report with the grade should be included.
• Please also include a research project proposal (three pages of text without illustrations, supplemented by one page of outline and a bibliography). The proposal should present the topic, objectives, and relevance of the planned work, identify the existing research gap, and outline the current state of research with reference to relevant literature. Furthermore, it should specify the planned materials and sources, the guiding research questions and working hypotheses, as well as a preliminary outline and timeline.
• Via our job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Katrina Zachhuber
katrina.zachhuber@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team! 

The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

Application deadline: 21.11.2025