The University of Vienna is offering a predoctoral university assistant position as part of the "Multilateralism Revisited" research platform, focusing on the past, present, and future of international negotiation and cooperation. The position is a full-time, 30-hour per week role with a competitive salary, starting on September 11, 2026, and is limited until August 31, 2030.

Job Overview

The University of Vienna seeks four PhD candidates to join the newly established Research Platform "Multilateralism Revisited: The Past, Present, and Future of International Negotiation and Cooperation." This interdisciplinary project, led by a team of experts, aims to investigate the challenges to multilateralism from historical, political, and legal perspectives. The research areas include the colonial past and its legacies, governance of dual-use technologies, data sharing in environmental crime governance, and resource extraction in global commons.

• Start Date: September 11, 2026
• Working Hours: 30 hours per week
• Collective Bargaining Agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
• Duration: Limited until August 31, 2030
• Reference Number: 5320

Research Platform and Affiliations

The research platform is a collaborative effort between the Faculties of Social Sciences, Historical and Cultural Studies, and Law. Each PhD candidate will be affiliated with a specific department and doctoral school, with main supervisors from various disciplines. The platform offers a dynamic and inspiring research environment, training in individual academic disciplines, and interdisciplinary research.

• Project 1: Department of Development Studies / Doctoral School of Social Sciences (main supervisor: Eva-Maria Muschik)
• Project 2: Department of History / Doctoral School of Historical and Cultural Studies (main supervisor: Elisabeth Röhrlich)
• Project 3: Department of Political Science / Doctoral School of Social Sciences (main supervisors: Arne Langlet and Alice Vadrot)
• Project 4: Department of European, International and Comparative Law / Advanced Research School in Law and Jurisprudence (main supervisor: Michael Waibel)

Responsibilities and Requirements

The position involves active participation in research, teaching, and administration. Candidates must have a completed above-average master's degree in political science, history, development studies, international law, or related disciplines. They should also possess excellent command of written and spoken English, experience with relevant research methods, and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary work.

• Necessary: Completed above-average master's degree, excellent command of English, relevant research experience, interest in interdisciplinary work, commitment to completing PhD within four years, teamwork and social skills, commitment to living in or near Vienna
• Asset: Experience with interdisciplinary research, didactic competences, interest in science communication, previous experience with international organizations and multilateralism, basic German skills

Benefits and Application Process

The University of Vienna offers a competitive salary, an inspiring working atmosphere, and opportunities for further training and coaching. The basic salary is EUR 2,832.10 per month (30 hours per week, gross, 14 times per year), with benefits and health insurance included. The application deadline is April 12, 2026, and candidates must submit a cover letter, CV, academic references, a doctoral project proposal, a writing sample, and copies of their academic credentials.

• Salary: EUR 2,832.10 per month (30 hours per week, gross, 14 times per year)
• Application Deadline: April 12, 2026
• Interviews: Scheduled for the week of May 4-8