University assistant predoctoral

#jobreq_print_container div div div: first-child h2 { display: none; }

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/an

University assistant predoctoral

47 Faculty of Psychology

Job vacancy starting: 09/01/2026 | Working hours: 30,00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)

Limited contract until: 08/31/2029

Job ID: 6027

.headerContent + div div div: first-child { display: none; }

.jobListingBodyTitle { display: none !important; }

The Research Group for Applied Social Psychology and Consumer Research (Univ.-Prof. Dr. A. Florack) at the Department of Occupational, Economic, and Social Psychology invites applications for a PhD position (). We are looking for a curious, motivated, and collaborative researcher with an interest in social cognition, digital transformation, and consumer behavior.

Information about the position

Our group investigates how basic principles of social cognition shape people’s experiences, behaviors, and beliefs. A central aim of our work is to better understand how consumers respond to major societal challenges, including the ongoing digital transformation and the shift toward sustainable and healthy consumption. As a member of our team, you will develop a doctoral thesis within one of our core research areas and contribute to an active research environment. Prior experience in consumer psychology and/or social cognition is an asset, though not a requirement.

Overview of the general conditions

Candidates are expected to develop a dissertation in the main research areas of the research group.

The position is initially contracted for 1.5 years and is automatically extended to 3 years unless the employer submits a non-extension declaration at least 6 months before the end of the initial term. A further extension to 4 years is possible following successful probation and appropriate progress. Starting date: September 1, 2026, or later.

The gross monthly salary in salary group B 1 is EUR 3,776.10 (§48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc)) on a full-time basis. The actual salary will be adjusted to the number of hours required for the position.

Your future tasks

Contribute to research, teaching, and administrative activities within the team

Teach independently in Social Psychology and Consumer Psychology (on average 2 hours per semester)

Develop your doctoral thesis in one of the group’s core research areas (a dissertation agreement is expected within 12–18 months)

Admission requirements

A completed Master’s degree or equivalent (Diploma) in psychology or a related discipline by the contract start date

A strong interest in pursuing a PhD in one of the group’s core research areas

An excellent Master’s thesis

Experience in empirical research (e.g., internships or work as a student research assistant)

Excellent command of quantitative methods, including proficiency in SPSS or R

Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English

Experience in programming experiments is an advantage

What we offer:

A dynamic, collaborative, and international research environment

Structured supervision and mentoring within the COBENE doctoral school

A pre-doc contract with attractive working conditions and social benefits

A salary according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Staff (grade B1)

A vibrant city consistently ranked among the world’s best for quality of life

Application process:

Please submit a single PDF file (LastName_FirstName.pdf) containing the following documents in English via the Jobportal of the University of Vienna.

A letter of motivation

An academic curriculum vitae

A brief research idea (max. 2 pages + references) that applies principles of social cognition to one of our core research areas. Please include a research question, a brief theoretical rationale, a hypothesis, and a study design (no details on procedure or measures). This short task helps us see how you integrate theoretical perspectives; it is not intended as a proposal for your future PhD project.

Please add as separate files, containing:

Copies of your academic degree certificates (one file)

A PDF of your Master’s thesis (one file)

The University of Vienna aims to increase the proportion of women among its academic staff and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to women candidates. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Please submit your application no later than August 20, 2026, preferably via the University of Vienna Jobportal (

For questions about the position, please contact Arnd Florack (arnd.florack@univie.ac.at).

If you have any questions, please contact:

Arnd Florack

arnd.florack@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 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: 08/20/2026