Research and Teaching Associate
- Vienna University of Economics and Business
- Research, development, teaching
- Part time
- published till: 04.11.2026
Institute for Political Economy of Public Policy
Part-time, 30 hours/week
Starting February 01, 2027, or soon thereafter, and limited for 6 years
The Department of Socioeconomics at the WU Vienna University of Economics and Business invites applications for a Research and Teaching Associate position (pre-doc).
The Department of Socioeconomics offers an active and internationally oriented research environment with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and addressing today’s major economic, social, and ecological challenges. The position is located in the Institute for Political Economy of Public Policy, and the successful candidate will work in the research group of Prof. Florian Keusch.
The successful candidate is expected to write their dissertation and conduct methodological research at the intersection of survey methodology and social data science (e.g., integrating collection of non-traditional data sources such as digital trace data and sensor data into surveys; applying AI in survey and public opinion research; analytically combining different data sources). In addition to research, the successful candidate will also contribute to the department’s quantitative methodological teaching portfolio and take over responsibility for administrative and organizational tasks.
What to expect
- Conducting research: You plan and carry out high-quality research at the intersection of survey methodology and social data science. Your research will form the basis of presentations at international academic conferences and manuscripts for submission to top journals in the field.
- Completing doctoral training: You will enroll in WU’s doctoral program and complete doctoral courses as part of your academic training.
- Writing your dissertation: One third of your working time will be dedicated to writing your doctoral dissertation.
- Teaching and supporting courses: Starting in the second year, you will plan and (co-)teach courses (2 semester hours per week/1 courses each semester) in the Bachelor programs of the Department Socioeconomics.
- Supervising students: You will be available to answer students’ questions and act as a co-supervisor for bachelor’s theses.
- Benefiting from a strong researcher environment: You will work in an excellent, internationally connected team that supports you in developing your own research projects, advancing publications, and expanding your network.
- Working as part of a team: You will join a team of committed researchers who collaboratively advance research projects.
- Organizational tasks: As part of the team, you will support selected organizational tasks at the research group.
What you have to offer
- Academic degree: You have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in sociology, political science, economics, statistics, or computational social science/social data science (or a closely related field) that qualifies you for admission to a doctoral program at WU.
- Subject-specific competences: You have a strong quantitative mindset and genuine enthusiasm for methodological research questions. You are particularly interested in new ways of collecting social data.
- Methodological skills: You have experience in quantitative empirical research, are proficient in at least one statistical programming language (e.g., R or Python), and are eager to deepen your methodological and technical skills as part of your doctoral training. Ideally, you have first experience with conducting surveys and/or collecting other types of social data (e.g., digital traces, sensor data, text data).
- Interest in teaching: You are highly motivated to develop your teaching skills and have the potential to excel in teaching. You are willing to use multimedia and digital teaching and learning formats. Prior teaching or instructional-support experience (e.g., tutoring, grading, course assistance) is appreciated.
- Language skills: You have an excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of German is an asset.
- Team spirit: You demonstrate flexibility, commitment, creativity, and engagement, and are willing to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
Please submit the following materials as a single PDF file, in this order:
- Cover letter outlining your motivation for an academic career, research interests, and the earliest possible and preferred start date (max 2 pages)
- Academic CV
- Contact details for at least one academic reference (name, affiliation, email address) – references will be contacted for shortlisted candidates
- One writing sample, e.g., MA thesis or other research-oriented output
- Transcript of grade records
- Copies of relevant certificates
Application documents must be submitted in English through the WU online application tool (Reference number: [ID 2932]).
For questions about the position, please contact Prof. Florian Keusch at florian.keusch@wu.ac.at.
What we offer you
- Six weeks of vacation/Extra vacation time
- Flexible working hours
- Training opportunities
- A wide range of benefits, from an in-house medical officer to athletic activities and a meal allowance to a variety of employee discounts
- Meaningful work in an open-minded, inclusive, and family-friendly environment
- A modern campus with spectacular architecture in the heart of Vienna
- Inspiring campus life with over 2,400 employees in research, teaching, and administration and approximately 21,500 students
- Excellent accessibility by public transportation
The minimum monthly gross salary amounts to €2,877.08 (14 times per year). This salary may be adjusted based on job-related prior work experience. In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive social benefits.
Do you want to join the WU team?
Then please submit your application by November 04, 2026 (ID 2932).
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
WU is committed to diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from women. Not sure if your profile fully matches our requirements? Apply anyway! In case of equal qualification, female candidates will be given preference. Applicants with disabilities will be supported throughout each stage of the recruitment process. Candidates' qualifications will be assessed in the context of their academic age.
