Scientific Project Assistant Predoctoral, Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy

The University of Vienna has been ranked among the Top 100 Universities in the World by Times Higher Education (THE). We strive to create a harmony of contrasts, creating new possibilities and ideas. Let us shape the future together and make a real difference to society. We are looking for a

Scientific project assistant predoctoral

53 Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy
Startdate: 01.01.2027 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited until: 31.12.2027
Reference no.: 6379

Investigate at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,700 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a scientific project assistant and a doctoral student, you work in a team led by Meike Levin-Keitel who is also the Head of the Department of Geography and Regional Research. The position is third party funded by the FWF in the program #connecting minds within the inter- and transdisciplinary research project “ADJUST –Adaptation for Just and Sustainable Transitions” (http://www.fwf.ac.at/en/research-radar/10.55776/CMD2107625)

The research project develops a transdisciplinary strategy combining planning approaches with migration studies as well as spatial data science. The objective is to make climate adaptation more just, identify spatial differences and transfer solutions from various regions for heat adaptation more efficiently. As a doctoral student, you will contribute to addressing relevant socio-spatial processes from a planning perspective at the interface of geo-science. From a methodological point of view, you strive for comparative analyses focusing on urban heat stress and climate adaptation. It is particularly important to us that every employee is highly motivated, engages enthusiastically in teamwork and is open to challenges.

Your future tasks:

While your primary task will be in research, your work will also include administrative tasks as follows:

• Development and completion of a dissertation on climate adaptation and just transitions from a planning perspective.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork outside of Vienna.
• Participation in scientific studies, publication projects, and presentations.
• You will be part of the VISSES Doctoral School and complete your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.

Qualifications

• A strong interest in planning-related topics and a passion for developing innovative methodologies for interdisciplinary research.
• A master’s degree, awarded with distinction, in Spatial Planning or a related and relevant discipline.
• Excellent knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative social science research methods. Experience conducting research on Vienna is an asset.
• Excellent written and spoken English and German.
• A self-motivated, growth-oriented mindset and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in international team environments.
• The ability to contribute actively to project activities, including preparing documentation, delivering project outcomes on time, and presenting results clearly and effectively.
• Enthusiasm for taking on new tasks, as well as a willingness to participate actively in scientific discourse and transformative teaching.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work from home within Austria upon agreement.

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.

Further internal 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 salary of EUR 3.714,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience. See also salary schemes / Gross-net calculator (available only in German)

Employment duration: This position is initially advertised for one year but may be extended until 31 December 2030.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• Motivation video (maximum length: 3 minutes) illustrating your passion for innovative spatial planning. Use any common video format; please share the link to your video file in your scientific CV.
• Scientific curriculum vitae.
• Two-page concept note outlining your ideas for the doctoral project.
• Degree certificates.
• Your master’s or diploma studies in pdf format.
• Via our job portal/ Apply now - button

The job interviews will take place on December 3 and 4, 2026. If necessary, you will have the option to participate in the job interview online.

For any content-related questions, please contact:

Meike Levin-Keitel

meike.levin-keitel@univie.ac.at

The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

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Application deadline: 11/23/2026