PhD Position, Horizon Europe project TiCCA4Danu, University of Vienna, Austria

PhD Position at the University of Vienna (3 years, 75%)

Join us for a cutting-edge project on Climate Adaptation and Urban-Regional Innovation!

Job vacancy starting: 01. June 2025 or by arrangement

Working hours: 30,00

Are you passionate about climate change adaptation, urban and regional innovation, and sustainability-oriented socio-economic transformations? Do you want to contribute to real-world change in one of Europe’s most dynamic regions? We invite applications for a fully funded PhD (praedoc) position as part of the new Horizon Europe project TiCCA4Danu – Transformative Innovation for Climate Change Adaptation in the Danube Region.

About the Project:

TiCCA4Danu tackles an urgent societal challenge: how can we support just and resilient climate adaptation at regional and urban levels? This inter- and transdisciplinary project explores how Transformative Innovation Policy (TIP) can help overcome structural barriers and drive inclusive, place-based strategies in the Danube Region. The University of Vienna’s team will lead research into the socio-economic-ecological dynamics shaping climate adaptation across selected Danube territories, working with a high-level international consortium of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

Your Role as PhD Researcher:

As a doctoral researcher, you’ll be at the heart of this exciting European project. Your research will focus on qualitative and collaborative fieldwork, contributing to deep insights on local and regional innovation, sustainability transitions, and climate adaptation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting semi-structured interviews with a wide range of stakeholders (governments, businesses, NGOs, researchers)
• Mapping stakeholder networks and understanding their roles in driving innovation
• Analysing barriers and triggers for transformative change in urban and regional contexts
• Investigating non-technological innovations like social and nature-based solutions
• Co-developing impact assessment tools and climate adaptation pathways
• Collaborating in co-creation workshops with local and regional authorities
• Supporting project events and engaging with an international research community
• Publications as part of the PhD studies

Who we’re looking for:

• We’re seeking a curious, committed candidate with:
• A completed Master’s in Human Geography, Urban/Regional Planning, Innovation Studies, Economics, Environmental Social Sciences, or related fields
• A strong interest in climate adaptation, regional development, and sustainability transitions
• Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, stakeholder mapping, media discourse analysis)
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset for working in interdisciplinary and international teams
• Readiness to conduct fieldwork across the Danube Region
• Fluency in English (working language); proficiency in German or other Danube-region languages is a plus
• Motivation to publish and actively engage with academic and policy communities

What we offer:

• A fully funded PhD position (30 hours / week for 3 years) in a dynamic working group
• Supervision by leading scholars in economic geography and sustainability
• A vibrant, supportive research environment in Vienna – consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities
• Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.
• Active participation in a high-impact, Horizon Europe project
• Access to national and international networks, PhD schools, and conferences
• A unique opportunity to contribute to real-world societal transformation in climate adaptation
• Fixed-term contract: The basic salary of EUR 2,786,10 (30 hours / week), 14 times a year

Application Process:

Subject line: Application – PhD Position TiCCA4Danu

Your application should include:

• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) detailing your interests and fit with the role
• A CV, including any publications or thesis work
• Copies of your transcripts and degree certificates
• A writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis or published article)
• Names and contact details of two academic referees

If you have any questions, please contact:

Sebastian Fastenrath at Sebastian.fastenrath@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.

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