University assistant predoctoral

At the University of Vienna more than 10,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 7,500 of them do research and teaching, around 2,900 work in administration and organisation. We are looking for a/an

University assistant predoctoral

40 Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies

Job vacancy starting: 05/01/2025 (MM-DD-YYYY) | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)

Limited contract until:

Job ID: 3790

Among the many good reasons to want to research and teach at the University of Vienna, there is one in particular, which has convinced around 7,500 academic staff members so far. They see themselves as personalities who need space for their continuous striving and curiosity in order to be scientifically successful. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.

Gothic Figurative Art in Vienna and Central Europe. As an assistant to Univ.- Prof. Assaf Pinkus, you will be part of the research project “The Dynamics of Change: The Sculptural Oeuvre of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna.” St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses one of the most extraordinary ensembles of medieval sculpture, spanning from the late Romanesque sculpted tympanum of the Riesentor and the figures in the Albertine Choir to the Fürstenportal, tomb plaques, and Anton Pilgram’s magnificent creations. These monuments have often been studied in isolation rather than in relation to one another. This project seeks to examine the dynamics of change across the cathedral’s sculptural program, considering its architectural setting, usage (Baukultur), and role as an evolving, additive, and accumulative ensemble. By analyzing these sculptures within their performative and ritualistic context, the study aims to reveal their cohesive function within the sacred space.

• Pursuit of an independent PhD project.
• Present your doctoral project to the faculty committee of the Doctoral School within one year of your arrival in Vienna.
• Participation in all activities at the Chair of Medieval Art History, including research projects, conferences,and excursions.
• Teaching university courses, and supervising students in accordance with the requirements.
• Support the Chair of Medieval Art History in research, teaching, and administrative tasks.
• Collaborations with the Institut für Österreichische Geschichtsforschung; Institut für Mittelalterforschung an der Akademie der Wissenschaften; Institut für Geschichte; Pächt Archive

• Outstanding Master degree in Medieval Art History, with priority given to Gothic Art.
• Independent research skills with high-quality methodological training.
• Proven experience in academic writing and research methods.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Language skills: Excellent proficiency in English and German; knowledge of French or Czech is desirable.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational abilities.

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely (max. 2 days a week).
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 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.
Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3578,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.
Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

• Please submit the following documents
• Letter of motivation (max. 300 words)
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publication (if available)
• Certificates
• Table of contents and one chapter of your MA thesis
• Copies of the MA thesis evaluations (if available)
• Reseach proposal in English (max. 1,000 words)
• Addresses of two referees

Applications should be submitted via our job portal using the "Apply Now" button.

Assaf Pinkus

assaf.pinkus@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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

Data protection

Application deadline: 04-10-2025 (MM-DD-YYYY)