University Assistant (Postdoc) - Computational Communication Science

Emerging Scholars Council; Vienna (OH); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote/hybrid work

Competitive salary

Flexible working hours

Public transport accessible

Job summary

University of Vienna is seeking a University Assistant (Postdoc) in the Computational Communication Science Lab (CCL) within the Department of Communication, a subunit of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The role involves research, teaching and administration in an interdisciplinary setting.

PhD in Social Sciences is required, with strong CCS methods experience and an excellent publication record. English communication must be strong; collaboration across projects and institutions is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Social Sciences, preferably Communication Science.
• Excellent publications in CCS in international journals and conference presentations.
• Advanced knowledge of CCS methods: agent-based modelling, network analysis, time series analysis, text or data mining.
• Substantive interest in digital public spheres and political communication.
• High ability to express yourself both orally and in writing.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Participate in research projects and conduct scientific studies in CCS, particularly on digital public spheres.
• Further develop your independent research profile in CCS.
• Publish in high-impact journals and present your research at international conferences.
• Prepare grant applications and acquire third-party funding.
• Independently teach courses at BA and MA level as defined by the collective agreement.
• Engage in examination and supervision activities.
• Take on administrative tasks in research and teaching.

Skills

Research methods

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Social Sciences

Tools

Agent-based modelling

Job description

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an

49 Faculty of Social Sciences

Startdate: 15.09.2026 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement:

• 48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) Limited until: 14.09.2032 Reference no.: 6013

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence. Ready to be part of our team? Let’s shape the future together!

Your Personal Scope

As a University Assistant (Postdoc) you will be part of the Computational Communication Science Lab (CCL), an interdisciplinary research network under the direction of Univ.-Prof. Dr. Annie Waldherr and Univ.-Prof. Hajo Boomgaarden, PhD at the Department of Communication, a subunit of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The aim of the CCL is to improve our understanding of the causes, processes and effects of mediated communication using computational methods. We strive to advance core fields of communication science such as public sphere and public opinion research, journalism and political communication using advanced computational models and methods for collecting, processing, analyzing and visualizing large-scale, complex data. For the vacant position, we particularly search for a colleague experienced in agent-based modeling and simulation as well as network analysis.

Your Future Tasks

You will be actively involved in research, teaching and administration activities. Specifically, you will perform the following tasks, among others:

• Participate in research projects and conduct scientific studies in the field of Computational Communication Science (CCS), particularly on digital public spheres
• Further develop your independent research profile in CCS
• Publish in high-impact scientific journals and present your research at international conferences
• Prepare grant applications and acquire third-party funding
• Independently teach courses at BA and MA level as defined by the collective agreement
• Engage in examination and supervision activities
• Take on administrative tasks in research and teaching

This Is Part Of Your Personality

• PhD in the Social Sciences, preferably Communication Science
• Excellent publications in CCS in international journals and conference presentations
• Advanced knowledge of CCS methods, especially one or more of the following methods: agent-based modelling and computer simulation, network analysis, time series analysis, text and data mining
• Substantive interest in the areas of digital public spheres and political communication
• High ability to express yourself both orally and in writing
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Proven ability to work in a team
• Experience with third-party funded projects is a plus
• Didactic skills and teaching experience are of advantage

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work in an exciting research environment in the field of CCS
• You will be part of a diverse team and embedded in a network of national and international contacts
• Fair salary: The base salary of EUR 5.014,30 (based on full-time employment) increases if we can take professional experience into account.
• Good public transport connections: Your new workplace is easily accessible by public transport.
• Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

If You Have Any Questions, Please Contact

Annie Waldherr

[e-mail]

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 place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, 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: 08/17/2026

Post Doc