University assistant predoctoral at the Department of Communication

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

 

University assistant predoctoral at the Department of Communication 

49 Faculty of Social Sciences  

Job vacancy starting: 10/01/2026 Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 09/30/2030

Job ID: 5316

There are many good reasons to want to do research and teach at the University of Vienna. And one reason why around 7,500 academic staff members chose this university before you. They see themselves as people who need room for their curiosity and their continuous ambition in order to succeed in academic work. Do you feel the same? Welcome to our team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

 

Two predoctoral university assistant positions within the research team of Professor Folker Hanusch are currently vacant.

The positions are situated within the Journalism Studies Center at the Department of Communication , a subunit of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Vienna. The JSC has built a very good reputation in journalism studies over the past ten years, which is characterized by evidence-based work on a range of transformative developments in journalism at an international and national level.

The Journalism Studies Center’s current research agenda focuses on 1) the comparative analysis of journalism cultures, 2) the influence of peripheral actors on journalism, 3) the audience expectations of news and trust in journalism, 4) diversity and activism in journalism, and 5) the role of subfields like lifestyle journalism, indigenous journalism, participative and constructive journalism. Interest in one or more of these areas, or in related topics, is an advantage for an application, but at a minimum a clear interest in journalism studies should exist.

 

The team currently consists, in addition to the professorship, of one tenure-track professor, one senior lecturer position, one postdoctoral researcher, two prae-docs, one student assistant, and one administrative staff member.

What characterizes us as a team is a highly collegial way of working, curiosity about new phenomena in journalism studies, and a commitment to internationally excellent research.

Your future tasks:

 

You actively participate in research, teaching and administration, which means:

 

• You are involved in research projects and scientific studies in the area of journalism studies.
• You contribute to the organization of meetings, conferences, and symposia and support project applications and the acquisition of third-party funding.
• You publish in academic journals, and present the results at relevant (international) conferences.
• You work on your dissertation and its completion in the area of journalism studies under the supervision of Professor Folker Hanusch. 
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You teach courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration. 

This is part of your personality:

 

• You have obtained a completed MA / Magister degree in Communication and Journalism Studies or a related discipline.
• Interest in one or more of the research areas mentioned above is an advantage. 
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods in journalism studies. 
• Competence in data analysis; familiarity with SPSS, R and/or MAXQDA is an advantage.
• First experience in academic writing and possibly publishing
• Didactic competencies / experience in e-learning
• Excellent English skills (C1)
• You are a team player with strong social and communication skills
• Knowledge of university processes and structures is an advantage, as is an internationally-oriented academic approach. 

What we offer:

 

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are are part of an internationally-oriented team with outstanding research infrastructure and comfortable 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.

 

Duration of contract: The employment duration is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

 

Fair salary: The basic monthly gross salary for this advertised position to an extent of 75% currently (2026) is € 2.832,08 (based on a full-time equivalent of € 3.776,10) in salary group B1 and will be paid 14 times a year for a period of four years (i.e., the duration of the contract). The basic salary increases if we can credit prior professional experience. 

 

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

 

It is that easy to apply:

 

• With a letter of intent (max. 2 pages)
• With your academic CV/list of publications
• With a summary of your research interests/dissertation proposal outline (max. 2 pages)
• Master Degree/Diploma including transcript of records
• Letters of reference or contact details of two referees
• Via our job portal/Apply now -  button

 

 

 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Folker Hanusch  

folker.hanuschunivie.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.

 

Data protection
Application deadline: 05/17/2026 

Prae Doc

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