University Assistant Predoctoral, Life Sciences

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral

50 Faculty of Life Sciences
Startdate: 01.04.2027 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Reference no.: 6181

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,500 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:

The Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology is looking for a university assistant predoctoral to join the research group of Prof. Narly Golestani (Brain and Language Lab).

The position is limited to 3 years with the possibility of extending for a further year.

The Brain and Language Lab investigates the neurobiological foundations of language and auditory processing, with a particular focus on individual differences, multilingual and multiliterate experience, language aptitude, dyslexia, brain anatomy and experience-dependent plasticity. Our research combines structural and functional neuroimaging, EEG/MEG, behavioural methods, computational modelling, automated neuroanatomical phenotyping, machine learning and advanced statistical approaches.

The doctoral project will be developed jointly with the successful candidate and tailored to their methodological background, previous research experience and scientific interests within the broader research areas of the lab.

Possible projects may draw on our existing multimodal adult datasets, including the NEBULA101 dataset and associated unpublished data from adults with and without dyslexia. Potential research questions include:

• How multilingual and multiliterate experience, language aptitude and dyslexia relate to brain structure, activation and connectivity.
• How neural systems supporting visual word-form processing, spoken language, music and spatial navigation are organised and interrelated.
• Whether individual differences in memory, auditory processing, executive control and navigation reveal markers of risk, resilience or compensatory mechanisms associated with dyslexia.

Depending on the research question and the successful candidate’s expertise, the project may combine MRI, EEG/MEG, behavioural assessment, computational modelling and automated neuroanatomical phenotyping.

The successful candidate will also become a member of the Vienna Doctoral School in Cognition, Behaviour and Neuroscience (CoBeNe), which provides interdisciplinary doctoral training and opportunities for scientific exchange across psychology, neuroscience, behavioural biology and related disciplines.

Further information about the Brain and Language Lab is available at: https://www.brainandlanguagelab.org

Your future tasks:

The successful candidate will participate in the Department’s research, teaching—to the extent regulated by the collective bargaining agreement—and administration. This involves:

• Developing, conducting and completing a doctoral research project within the research areas described above.
• Finalising the dissertation agreement within 12–18 months.
• Analysing behavioural and neuroscientific data and developing transparent and reproducible analysis workflows.
• Participating in research projects and scientific studies conducted within the Brain and Language Lab.
• Preparing international scientific publications and presenting research findings at national and international conferences.
• Participating in the activities and training programme of the Vienna Doctoral School in Cognition, Behaviour and Neuroscience.
• Independently teaching courses in accordance with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Supervising students, where appropriate.
• Participating in evaluation measures and quality assurance.
• Contributing to departmental administration and to teaching and research administration.

This is part of your personality:

• A completed Master’s degree or equivalent in psychology, biomedical engineering, cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, data science, physics or another relevant discipline. Applicants from other disciplinary backgrounds are welcome provided that their subsequent training and research experience demonstrate substantial preparation in cognitive neuroscience and quantitative methods.
• Research experience in cognitive neuroscience, including experience working with empirical behavioural and/or neuroscientific data.
• Strong programming skills relevant to scientific data analysis, demonstrated through substantive experience with at least one programming language such as Python, R, MATLAB or a comparable language.
• A strong background in statistics and quantitative research methods, including practical experience applying statistical methods to empirical data.
• Experience with experimental design, data processing and the interpretation of complex datasets.
• Experience in scientific writing and research methods, for example through the completion of an empirical Master’s thesis.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• A strong motivation to complete a doctoral dissertation and contribute actively to the research and teaching activities of the lab and department.

Desirable qualifications

• Practical experience with one or more cognitive-neuroscience methods, particularly structural or functional MRI, EEG or MEG.
• Experience with neuroimaging analysis, functional or structural connectivity, computational morphometry or signal processing.
• Experience with multivariate statistics, machine learning or computational modelling.
• Familiarity with Linux, high-performance computing, version control and reproducible research practices.
• Previous research on language, reading, auditory processing, multilingualism, individual differences or dyslexia.
• Experience in teaching, student supervision or research communication.
• Knowledge of German or a willingness to acquire German-language skills is desirable but not required.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely. 

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 3.776,10 (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!

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.

It is that easy to apply:

Please submit the following documents in English:

• A letter of motivation, including a summary of your research interests; a brief description of your relevant experience in cognitive neuroscience, programming and statistical analysis; and the names and contact details of three referees (maximum two pages).
• A scientific curriculum vitae, including publications, conference contributions and teaching experience, if available.
• Your Master’s degree certificate or proof that the degree will be completed before the position begins.
• Your transcript of records.
• Via the University of Vienna job portal using the “Apply now” button.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Narly Golestani

narly.golestani@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 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.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 09/19/2026

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