Job ID: CMC123PD226

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, is offering a Position as

Postdoc (f/m/x) 

(part-time, 30h per week)

in the FWF international project “Agents of transformation and the future of journalism“, starting on November 1, 2026 at the Institute for Comparative Media and Communication Studies (CMC) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) and the University of Klagenfurt. 

Journalism has been facing multiple crises and enormous challenges. As journalism is inextricably linked to

democracy, its viability also has an impact on society. From this normative perspective, this international study examines which actors associated with professional journalism are central to the sustainability of quality journalism and its relevance for the democratic public sphere. The study is being conducted as an international comparison between Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain.

We are looking for a researcher willing to support the empirical research and the dissemination activities within the project, as well as coordination with the international project consortium. The position entails contributions to conference presentations as well as publications in international scientific journals.

• PhD in communication science or a closely related field
• Experience with qualitative Methods (semi-structured interviews; qualitative content analysis, scenario building with a gaming approach) and proven track record in scientific projects
• A good understanding of the media landscapes of the participating partners
• Experience in research into journalism, innovation and transformation
• Experience in media history
• Project management skills
• Fluency in German and English, written and spoken, and at least intermediate Spanish proficiency
• Willingness to cooperate and to work team-oriented

•  A position in an innovative and internationally active environment crucial to succes
• Numerous voluntary social benefits
• Opportunity to work independently and develop personally

We offer an employment contract (75%) for a maximum of three years (i.e. to the end of the FWF project, October 31st 2029).
The minimum annual gross salary for this position is EUR 70.167,44 (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.

CMC is located in the city center of Vienna (Bäckerstraße 13, 1010 Wien) and we can offer flexible work time arrangements.

Please apply with a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, an application letter, a documentation of qualifications (PhD certificate, etc.) no later than November 1, 2026.

Barbara Urbanic  |  Barbara.Urbanic@oeaw.ac.at
CMC | 1010 Vienna, Austria
Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften | Austrian Academy of Sciences | https://www.oeaw.ac.at/