Senior Scientist at the Department of Communication

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At the University of Vienna, over 10,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,500 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting-edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are looking for a ...

Senior Scientist at the Department of Communication

49 Faculty of Social Sciences

Job vacancy starting: 10/01/2026 | Working hours: 40.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)

Limited contract until: 01/19/2027

Job ID: 5963

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Among the many reasons to research and teach at the University of Vienna there is one in particular, which has convinced around 7,500 academic staff members so far. They see themselves as personalities who need space for continuous striving for top international research and scientific excellence. At the same time they enjoy support and liberties that are not a given at other institutions.

Your personal sphere of play

The Department of Communication, a subunit of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Vienna is one of the largest and strongest research-oriented department for Communication Science worldwide. The advertised position of a Senior Scientist (postdoc) is situated within the Advertising & Media Psychology Research Group, led by Professor Jörg Matthes. The Advertising & Media Psychology Research Group deals with the impact of modern media environments on people's thinking, behavior, and opinions, using both quantitative as well as qualitative methods to conduct their research. We are looking for a Senior Scientist with several years of experience in social science research and lab management, outstanding knowledge of quantitative methods (especially experimental research, eye-tracking research), and statistical data analysis.

The position is advertised to the extent of 40 hours/week (100%) for the period of absence of the holder of the position. There is the possibility of an extension depending on further absence of the position holder.

Your future tasks

Active participation in research & administration, which means:

Participation in the management of the research lab of the Advertising and Media Psychology Research Group

Organization, coordination and implementation of various data collection and linking activities in collaboration with Professor Matthes in the fields of persuasion research/media psychology, especially on the topic of digital media (e.g., experiments, panel surveys, content analyses, eye-tracking)

(International) publishing and presentation activities in the fields of persuasive communication, advertising and digital media

Proposals and development of new research projects and acquisition of third-party funding

Support in the supervision of student assistants and processing of acquired third-party funded projects

Activities in third mission and science communication

Participation in evaluation activities and quality assurance

Participation in research, teaching and department administration

This is part of your personality

You have obtained a completed doctoral/PhD degree in Communication Science or a related discipline.

You have competence in advertising research and/or strategic political communication and media psychology.

You have in-depth knowledge of methods of empirical social research, especially quantitative methods and statistical data analysis as well as of programs SPSS and/or R.

You have several years of experience in research management, such as management of third-party funded projects and research data.

You have published your research in highly-ranked, internationally visible journals.

You have several years of experience in acquiring third-party funded projects and project processing.

You have experience in science communication and third mission activities.

In the event of a longer period of absence of the position holder, you teach courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English

Ability to work in teams and distinct organizational skills

What we offer

Work-life balance

We offer the opportunity to work remote upon agreement (maximum of 50% of working time).

Inspiring working atmosphere

An internationally-oriented team and department with outstanding research infrastructure and comfortable working environment.

Appreciative team culture

As a team, we regularly meet for exchange during team meetings and a range of team activities (team lunch, team retreat, Christmas party, etc.).

Excellent public transport connections

We offer an attractive workplace in the heart of Vienna which is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & coaching

The University of Vienna offers a wide range of opportunities for internal training as well as enhancement of personal skills.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic monthly gross salary for this advertised position in salary group B1 lit. b (postdoc) currently (2026) is € 5.014,30 (full time). The basic salary increases if we can credit prior professional experience. The contract is limited for the period of absence of the holder of the position.

It is that easy to apply

With a letter of intent

With your scientific curriculum vitae

With your list of publications and a list of your presentations

Via our job portal/ Apply now – button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Jörg Matthes

joerg.matthes@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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff 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: 09/28/2026