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

Post Doc (F/M/X), 35 hours per week

starting 01.10.2025 until 30.06.2028

The position is held within the framework of the Cluster of Excellence (COE) "EurAsian Transformations – Resources of the Past and the Challenge of Diversity", funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF for the period of 2023–2028. The Cluster (https://www.oeaw.ac.at/eurasian-transformations/home) involves more than 100 researchers from four academic institutions (Austrian Academy of Sciences, University of Vienna, Central European University, University of Innsbruck). We explore major questions in current research - diversity, mobility, identity – in historical perspective using original-language sources, and analyse cultural and religious, economic and political connections comparatively. We strive for a fruitful interdisciplinary dialogue and seek cooperation with the regions involved in order to create new academic infrastructures in Austria and internationally and to promote plurilateral research perspectives. EurAsia explores the transformation processes of Eurasia - understood as the entire landmass of both continents, Europe and Asia - from antiquity to the present.

The position is defined for a research focus on the interrelation between Byzantium and Other (non-Greek) Christianities. Particular focus should be on Orthodox Christianity as a conduit for the dissemination and adaptation of religious texts across linguistic traditions. Christianity was part of the ‘soft power’ that allowed the medieval Empire of East Rome to extend its influence far beyond its political boundaries. Through missionary activity as well as processes of appropriation, medieval Greek Christianity reached regions with different languages and cultural traditions, setting into motion processes of translation on many different levels. Holy Scripture and the works of theologians were usually translated with precision, whereas legal texts and liturgical books were not only rendered in different languages, but were also subject to processes of ‘cultural translation’ and adapted to local traditions. It is here where cultural encounters and their management by local elites become most visible. The position is intended to facilitate research to address these issues, whether in relation to the Slavic-speaking world in the north, or in relation to the regions of Syria, Palestine and Egypt, or in relation to Armenia and Georgia. Comparative approaches are particularly encouraged.

Your Tasks

• Research and publications on Byzantium and Other Christianities. The research should focus on the translations and cultural adaptations of Byzantine liturgical and/or legal traditions in the areas inhabited by Slavs.
• Active participation in Node 2 of the Cluster of Excellence on ‘Communication and Mobility’, with Cluster 1 ‘Multilinguality and its Social Contexts’
• Engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue within the COE
• Conducting independent research
• International publications and presentations of project results
• Commitment to the goals of the Cluster and to the integration of its members as well as participation in training and transfer/outreach activities.
• Active participation in the scientific and organizational activities of the Institute for Medieval Studies of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, especially the Department of Byzantine Studies

Your Profile

• Completed doctorate (at the time of hiring) in Byzantine or Medieval Studies
• Excellent command of Byzantine Greek
• Very good written and spoken English skills and good written and spoken German skills
• Knowledge of at least one further source language and one further modern languagerelevant to the study of Eurasia
• Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary exchange and research work in teams
• Work experience in different academic contexts

Our Offer

• We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to strengthen our team at the recently established Cluster of Excellence ‚EurAsian Transformations‘. The CoE Involves moe than 100 reseachers from four academic institutions (Austrian Academy of Sciences, Cental European University, University of Innsbruck, University of Vienna). The CoE esplores original-language sourse in dozens of languages with a view towards addressing issues of contemporary relevance—diversity, mobility, identity—in historical perspective, pursuing compaative questions and stressing forms of connectivity in the realms of culture, religion, economy and politics, across Eurasia. We strive for a fruitful interdisciplinary dialogue and seek cooperation with the regions involved in order to create new academic infrastructures in Austria and internationally and to promote plurilateral research perspectives. EurAsia explores the transformation processes of Eurasia—unsterstood as the landmass of both continents, Europe and Asia—fom anitquity to the present.
• An monthly gross salary of € 4314,27, according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

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.