OeAW - Discovering the future

As a central non-university institution for science and research, the Austrian Academy of Sciences - OeAW has the task of "promoting science in every respect". Founded in 1847 as a learned society, it now has over 760 members and around 1,800 employees dedicated to innovative basic research, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and the dissemination of new insights. The OeAW initiates and maintains partnerships worldwide and represents Austria in international scientific organizations; it cooperates with numerous institutions in the scientific field in order to actively shape the research landscape.

Praedoc (Diss) (f/m/x)

Job ID: IKGA052DOC226

The Institute for the Cultural and Intellectual History of Asia (IKGA) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, is offering a position

Praedoc (Diss) (f/m/x)

(part-time, 30 hours per week)

in the ERC project “The Narrative Foundations of Tibetan Buddhist Culture” (FOUNT) (ERC-2025-StG-101222259). 

The successful candidate will contribute to the project by conducting research on the development of Tibetan Buddhist historiography on Tibet, especially concerning Emperor Srong-btsan and the deity Avalokiteśvara. The successful candidate will pursue a dissertation at the University of Vienna (internationally renowned for its strong track-record in South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies), while being integrated in a research institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Candidates already enrolled at another university may be considered provided that employment criteria of the OeAW can be fulfilled.

 

Your Tasks

  • Conduct research as (part of) your doctoral dissertation
  • Present research results at workshops and international conferences, and publish your work
  • Enroll as a PhD student at the University of Vienna. (Applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with the enrollment procedures at the University as well as eventual course and language requirements)

Your Profile

  • Completed degree (MA or equivalent) in a relevant field (by the start date)
  • Very good knowledge of Classical Tibetan
  • Very good command of English, both spoken and written
  • Knowledge of German is desirable; willingness to acquire working knowledge of German required
  • Familiarity with historical and philological methods
  • Good general computer skills and, ideally, familiarity with IT applications and solutions relevant to text-based research
  • Personal skills: willingness and ability to work in a team, creativity, flexibility and perseverance, as well as the ability to work independently

Our Offer

  • A part-time position at 75% for a period of four years (starting Oct. 1st, 2026 or soon thereafter). The position is initially offered for 1 year with the possibility of an extension until Sept. 30th, 2030
  • The minimum annual gross salary for this position is EUR 53,140.92 (full-time based), in accordance with the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). For part-time employment, the salary will be adjusted on a pro rata basis in line with the agreed working hours
  • Attractive working conditions at the IKGA, a renowned research institution, as part of the international team of the FOUNT project

 

The successful applicant is expected to take up residence in Vienna, a city consistently rated among the world's best in quality-of-life rankings. Questions regarding the position can be addressed to the principal investigator, Reinier Langelaar (reinier.langelaar@oeaw.ac.at).

Please upload your application materials (either in English or German).  Application materials should include 1) a cover letter explaining your research interests and motivation for applying, 2) a CV, 3) contact details of two referees (names and e-mail addresses), 4) a research proposal sketching a possible dissertation project (ca. 2–3 pages, max. 11,000 characters), 5) a writing sample, and 6) a copy of transcripts and degrees (or your supervisor’s written confirmation of your scheduled timely graduation). Candidates should also arrange for one of their referees to submit a letter of recommendation to Hermine Huber (hermine.huber@oeaw.ac.at). The use of AI-generated text is not allowed.
Applications received before May 28th will be assured full consideration.

APPLY NOW Click this link to apply for the job.

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. The OeAW cooperates with NEBA and is a member of MyAbility in order to provide appropriate workplace structures, in particular for persons with disabilities.

Contact

Alexandra Wedekind  |  Alexandra.Wedekind@oeaw.ac.at
IKGA | 1010 Vienna, Austria
Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften | Austrian Academy of Sciences | https://www.oeaw.ac.at/