PhD Student Position (f/m/x) - IFI

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

PHD STUDENT POSITION (F/M/X)

in Caucasus Studies
(part-time, 30h per week)

for an initial period of one year (with possible extensions up to a maximum of 3 years) starting on January 1, 2025, at the earliest.
The position is within the framework of the project Circulating Knowledge in the Caucasus in the research group Caucasus Studies, led by Prof Mathijs Pelkmans.
The research group investigates how ‘truth merchants’ (such as missionaries, diplomats, spies, and journalists) are involved in the production, exchange and dissemination of knowledge, and how media 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.
• pursuing a dissertation project of your choice within the above-sketched area at the University of Vienna
• Active participation in the activities of the Institute for Iranian Studies.

• An MA degree in a discipline related to the field of Caucasus Studies.
• Having received methodological training in qualitative (ideally ethnographic) research.
• Language skills for carrying our fieldwork in the Caucasus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

The position is awarded on a fixed-term basis for 1 year with the possibility of an extension to a maximum total of 3 years conditional on proof of enrolment in a doctoral programme at the University of Vienna. 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 € 37.773,33 according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
Please send your application including a (1) Cover Letter (1 page max), (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) short description of a potential case study (500-1,000 words), and (4) two samples of written work (course papers or MA thesis). 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.