Postdoc Position (f/m/x) - IFI

The Institute for Iranian Studies (IFI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non- university research and science institution, is offering a

POSTDOC POSITION (F/M/X)

in Caucasus Studies
(full-time, 40hper week)

for a duration of 36 months, starting Januar 1, 2025 (earliest).
The successful candidate will join the project Circulating Knowledge in the Caucasus in the Caucasus Studies research group, led by Prof Mathijs Pelkmans.

The research group investigates how ‘truth merchants’ (such as missionaries, diplomats, and journalists) are involved in the production, exchange and dissemination of knowledge, and how technologies and public attitudes (such as suspicion, doubt, and conviction) affect the circulation of knowledge in a region characterised by ethno-religious diversity and political tensions. Proposed case studies should involve primary research in a country in the South Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan) and adopt an ethnographic approach to fieldwork.

• Focused ethnographic research, combining desk-based work in Vienna and extensive ethnographic fieldwork in the Caucasus.
• Publication of findings in leading journals and/or edited volumes (2+).
• Participation in the development of grant proposals.
• Active participation in the activities of the Institute for Iranian Studies.

• A PhD in a discipline related to the field of Caucasus Studies.
• Experience with carrying out ethnographic fieldwork.
• Language skills for carrying our ethnographic fieldwork in the Caucasus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• An excellent or promising publication record of high-quality publications on relevant topics.

Successful candidates will be based in Austria in an international, diverse and dynamic research environment in the center of Vienna.

We offer an annual gross salary of € 66.501,40, according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
Please send your application including a (1) Cover Letter (1 page max), (2) Academic CV including publications,
(3) short description of potential case study (500-1,000 words), and (4) two samples of written work (publications or PhD chapters). All documents should be sent in a single PDF file via e-mail to iran.office@oeaw.ac.at no later than November 15, 2024.

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.