University Assistant Postdoctoral, Catholic Theology

Emerging Scholars Council; Vienna (OH); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Hybrid/Remote work

Training & coaching

Public transport access

Fair salary

Job summary

University of Vienna invites applications for a University Assistant postdoctoral position in the Faculty of Catholic Theology, starting 15 October 2026. The role focuses on advancing a research profile, supervising doctoral students, publishing internationally, and securing third‑party funding within an active, open scholarly environment.

You will teach courses under the collective agreement, participate in governance, and contribute to the department's journal Ex Fonte.

Qualifications

• Doctorate/PhD in Catholic Theology or equivalent qualification.
• Very good written and spoken German.
• Solid knowledge of university self-governance, particularly quality assurance.
• (Higher education) teaching skills.
• Proficiency in at least one modern foreign language besides English.
• Good command of Latin and Ancient Greek.

Responsibilities

• Establishing or expanding an independent research profile.
• Participation in research projects and academic studies.
• Co-supervision of students, especially doctoral students in the department.
• International publications and lectures.
• Project application and acquisition of third‑party funding.
• Preparation and completion of habilitation or equivalent qualification.
• Independent teaching of courses in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Participation in evaluation measures and quality assurance.
• Participation in research, teaching and administration.
• Publication projects of the department, including Ex Fonte journal.

Skills

German language

English language

Teaching skills

Teamwork

Latin/Ancient Greek

Computer skills

Research collaboration

Education

Doctorate/PhD in Catholic Theology

Job description

If You Have Any Questions, Please Contact
Hans-Jürgen Feulner

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?

University Assistant postdoctoral 30 Faculty of Catholic Theology

Startdate: 15.10.2026 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement:

• 48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) Limited until: 14.10.2032 Reference no.: 5906

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 Academic Environment

A postdoc position is available in the Department of Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology at the Institute of Historical Theology, starting October 15, 2026. Our research areas include: basic ritual studies in the perspective of “Comparative Liturgiology”, study of Anglican liturgy (especially ordination rites), religious rituals in film, and studies of Eastern Church and Oriental as well as Early Church liturgies. In addition, the department also deals with modern pastoral‑liturgical issues such as virtual worship services, liturgical hygiene, and much more. We are a motivated team; besides the head of the department we currently employ two assistants and one administrative assistant. A good and close cooperation is important to us. In addition, the department runs an internationally renowned open access journal (Ex Fonte).

Your Duties

• Establishing or expanding an independent research profile,
• Participation in research projects and academic studies,
• Co-supervision of students, in particular of the (Eastern Church) doctoral students of the department,
• International publications and lectures,
• Project application and acquisition of third‑party funding,
• Preparation and completion of a habilitation (ready for publication) or an equivalent qualification in the discipline
• Independent teaching of courses in accordance with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement,
• Participation in evaluation measures and quality assurance,
• Participation in research, teaching and administration,
• Participation in the publication projects of the department, especially the journal Ex Fonte (editorial supervision and technical implementation).

Your Profile

• Doctorate/PhD in (Catholic) Theology or equivalent qualification,
• Very good written and spoken German (proof of proficiency must be provided within one year of starting the position),
• Solid knowledge of university self-governance, particularly quality assurance,
• (higher education) teaching skills,
• Proficiency in at least one modern foreign language besides English,
• Good command of the languages commonly used in liturgical studies (e.g., Latin, Ancient Greek...),
• Computer skills,
• Ability to work in a team.

Also Expected Are

• Specialization in Liturgical Studies (and Sacramental Theology) or on a relevant liturgical topic (Ph.D./STD/Dr.theol.),
• Excellent written and spoken English,
• Teaching experience,
• Experience with e-learning,
• Experience participating in research projects,
• Publications in renowned, subject‑specific journals (peer‑reviewed).

Desirable Are

• Good knowledge of Western and Eastern liturgical traditions,
• Paleographic knowledge,
• Research experience in Liturgical Studies, particularly regarding current issues (including blessings, Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours),
• Experience in establishing and maintaining interuniversity partnerships,
• Knowledge of relevant Eastern languages (e.g., Syriac, Church Slavonic),
• Knowledge of university procedures and structures,
• International experience
• Experience in student support.

What We Offer

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can work remote/hybrid.

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the centre of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fixed‑term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year) for a period of 6 years / 72 months increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

Documents To Be Submitted

• Letter of motivation,
• Academic curriculum vitae (incl. list of publications, list of courses, list of lectures),
• Degree certificates including doctoral degree certificate,
• Description of research interests and research plans / habilitation project, if applicable, or a third‑party‑funded project,
• Contact addresses of possible references,
• International presentations.

Application deadline:

08/17/2026

For more information about the position, please contact Hans-Jürgen Feulner at [phone] or Kerstin Skalla at [phone].

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.

https://jobs.univie.ac.at/job-invite/5906

If You Have Any Questions, Please Contact
Hans-Jürgen Feulner
[e-mail]
We look forward to new personalities in our team!