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.
OeAI - Praedoc (f/m/x) in Archaeobotanics
Job ID: OeAI127DOC225
The Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, is offering a position as
Praedoc (f/m/x) in Archaeobotanics
(part-time/fixed-term position for 24 months)
in the Research Group “Prehistoric Identitites” (Head K. Rebay-Salisbury) of the Department of Prehistoric Archaeology (Head B. Horejs)
The Austrian Archaeological Institute is Austria's largest research institution in the field of archaeology and ancient studies. We study human history from the Quaternary period to modern times, taking into account material archaeological sources and the written tradition.
The successful candidate will work within the framework of the FWF-funded project “Mining and Dining” in the first 18 Months for 15 and in the last six months for 30 hours a week as an Archaeobotanist.
Your Tasks
- Conduct archaeobotanical macro-remain analysis within the FWF project Mining and Dining, with a focus on dietary reconstruction based on a defined sample set of fifty palaeofaeces recovered from the prehistoric salt mines of Hallstatt.
- Perform microscopic identification and interpretation of plant macro-remains preserved in these palaeofaeces, and contribute to their integration into broader archaeological and environmental interpretations.
- Work as part of the Research Group “Prehistoric Identities”, in close cooperation with the Bioarchaeology Lab at the Austrian Archaeological Institute.
- Prepare palaeofaeces samples for subsequent parasitological and palynological analyses.
Actively coordinate with project partners involved in parasitological, palynological, and biomolecular research. - Participate in project meetings and contribute to the interdisciplinary interpretation of results.
Your Profile
- Completed Master’s degree in Plant Sciences, Prehistoric Archaeology, or a closely related discipline.
- Documented experience in archaeobotanical macro-remain analysis, including microscopic identification and interpretation.
- Familiarity with plant anatomy and the identification of charred and desiccated plant remains.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary research environment.
- A collaborative mindset, reliability, and excellent organisational skills.
- Good command of written and spoken English; knowledge of German is an asset but not required.
Our Offer
The position will be supervides by Andreas G. Heiss and Kerstin Kowarik and starts in Dezember, 2025 and is advertised for 24 months. The annual full-time gross salary for this position is € 52.278,38, according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW).
The documents required for application comprise (1) a letter of motivation stating the applicant's research experience (maximum two pages) as well as an outline of future research interests, (2) a curriculum vitae together with (3) the certificates for the full academic record, (4) a list of publications, conference presentations, and activities in science communication, and (5) three names of references with the full contact information. Applicants should apply via Onlyfy, quoting job ID: OeAI127DOC225, by 7 November 2025 at the latest.
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.
Contact
ÖAI | 1010 Vienna, Austria
Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften | Austrian Academy of Sciences | https://www.oeaw.ac.at/
