Praedoc (Diss) (f/m/x)

The Institute for the Cultural and Intellectual History of Asia (IKGA) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, is offering a position

Praedoc (Diss) (f/m/x)

(part-time, 30 hours per week)

in the ERC project "The Narrative Foundations of Tibetan Buddhist Culture” (FOUNT) (ERC-2025-StG-101222259).

The successful candidate will contribute to the project by conducting research on the development of Tibetan Buddhist historiography on Tibet, especially concerning Emperor Srong-btsan and the deity Avalokiteśvara. The successful candidate will pursue a dissertation at the University of Vienna (internationally renowned for its strong track-record in South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies), while being integrated in a research institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Candidates already enrolled at another university may be considered provided that employment criteria of the OeAW can be fulfilled.

Your Tasks

• Conduct research as (part of) your doctoral dissertation
• Present research results at workshops and international conferences, and publish your work
• Enroll as a PhD student at the University of Vienna. (Applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with the enrollment procedures at the University as well as eventual course and language requirements.)

Your Profile

• Completed degree (MA or equivalent) in a relevant field (by the start date)
• Very good knowledge of Classical Tibetan
• Very good command of English, both spoken and written
• Knowledge of German is desirable; willingness to acquire working knowledge of German required
• Familiarity with historical and philological methods
• Good general computer skills and, ideally, familiarity with IT applications and solutions relevant to text-based research
• Personal skills: willingness and ability to work in a team, creativity, flexibility and perseverance, as well as the ability to work independently

Our Offer

• A part-time position at 75% for a period of four years (starting Oct. 1st, 2026 or soon thereafter). The position is initially offered for 1 year with the possibility of an extension until Sept. 30th, 2030.
• The minimum annual gross salary for this position is EUR 53,140.92 (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.
• Attractive working conditions at the IKGA, a renowned research institution, as part of the international team of the FOUNT project

The successful applicant is expected to take up residence in Vienna, a city consistently rated among the world's best in quality-of-life rankings. Questions regarding the position can be addressed to the principal investigator, Reinier Langelaar (reinier.langelaar@oeaw.ac.at).

Please upload your application materials (either in English or German). Application materials should include 1) a cover letter explaining your research interests and motivation for applying, 2) a CV, 3) contact details of two referees (names and e-mail addresses), 4) a research proposal sketching a possible dissertation project (ca. 2–3 pages, max. 11,000 characters), 5) a writing sample, and 6) a copy of transcripts and degrees (or your supervisor’s written confirmation of your scheduled timely graduation). Candidates should also arrange for one of their referees to submit a letter of recommendation to Hermine Huber (hermine.huber@oeaw.ac.at). The use of AI-generated text is not allowed.
Applications received before May 28th will be assured full consideration.

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.