PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER (F/M/X)

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), the largest non-university institution for basic research in Austria, is seeking to fill at the Institute for the Cultural and Intellectual History of Asia (IKGA) a position of

PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER (F/M/X)

(Full-time employee)

focused on the Philology of Indian Buddhism starting January 1st, 2026. The IKGA is an internationally recognized center for philologically based research on Indian Buddhist philosophy with a focus on the late medieval period. With this position, the Institute is seeking to strengthen and expand its expertise in this area.

• To conduct independent and innovative research on any of the philosophical and/or religious traditions of Indian Buddhism with a philological profile. This includes actively searching for and identifying previously unedited manuscript material in Sanskrit and other relevant languages of transmission, producing highest level scholarly editions and translations, contributing to foundational research in paleography and codicology, as well as producing historically oriented studies on the basis of new material;
• To actively apply for competitive third-party-funded projects supporting junior scholars and engage in mentoring activities;
• To provide expertise in support of other research projects at the Institute;
• To contribute to the editing process of relevant publications of the Institute;
• To participate in the Institute’s activities in the field of Digital Philology, in the (co-)organization of academic events, and in various activities within the Cluster of Excellence “EurAsian Transformations“, including public outreach activities;

• Completed doctoral degree or PhD in Buddhist Studies, Indology, Classical South Asian Studies, or a related relevant field;
• Excellent knowledge of Sanskrit, Classical Tibetan and/or Buddhist Chinese (depending on the period of research); excellent command of English; knowledge of German is desirable;
• Knowledge of Indian paleography and codicology;
• Record of international publications and lectures; completion of at least one monograph;
• International network;
• Knowledge of methods and tools in Digital Philology (especially TEI/XML) or readiness to acquire such knowledge;
• Flexibility, strong communication skills, creativity, and ability to work in a team;

The contract is initially concluded for one year. Following an interim assessment, it will be extended for a fixed-term of six years, with a tenure option. A tenure evaluation by external experts is planned for the fourth year of the entire contract term.

The annual gross salary is € 75.703,40. A higher salary is possible depending on qualification and prior work experience. Funds for conference and research travel as well as for the organization of scholarly events are available within the limits of the Institute's budget.

Application materials need to including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, and an outline of current and planned research (2-3 pages). Please upload the documents using the JETZT BEWERBEN button. For Questions please contact office.ikga@oeaw.ac.at (subject “Application Philology of Indian Buddhism”) by April 30th, 2025. Applications will be vetted by a committee that includes external experts.

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.