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Research and Teaching Associate

  • Vienna University of Economics and Business
  • Research, development, teaching
  • Part time
  • published till: 2026-07-22

You want to understand how things are connected and make a fundamental impact? We offer an environment where you can realize your full potential. At one of Europe’s largest and most modern business and economics universities. On a campus where quality of work is also quality of life. We are looking for support at the

Department of Business Analytics and Decision Sciences
Part-time, 30 hours/week
Starting October 15, 2026, and ending after 4 years 
 
Do you want to pursue a PhD on how the behavior of AI systems can be measured validly? Join a newly established department investigating large language models through the lens of behavioral science, and develop your dissertation at the forefront of machine behavior research.

What to expect

  • Write your dissertation: You will investigate your research topic in the area of machine behavior and AI measurement - for example, the psychometric evaluation of large language models - and spend a third of your working hours on your dissertation
  • Conduct research, for yourself and others: You will design and run large-scale studies of AI systems and human behavior, contribute to publications in leading journals and conference proceedings, and present your work internationally
  • Build research infrastructure: You will help develop pipelines for evaluating language models at scale, from local inference to statistical analysis
  • Plan and support teaching: You will help plan and teach courses in English or German at the intersection of AI, data science, and behavioral science, and contribute to examinations and evaluations
  • Support students: You will be available to answer students' questions, give feedback on seminar papers, and co-supervise bachelor's theses
  • Take on organizational tasks: You will contribute to the organization of teaching and support the administration of research
  • Build your personal network: You will use the prae doc phase to establish contacts for your future career

What you have to offer

  • Academic degree: You have completed a diploma/master's degree in psychology, cognitive science, social and economic data science, computer science, or a related field with excellent results that qualifies you for enrollment in a doctoral program at WU
  • Research interests: Your research interests lie in machine behavior and the measurement of AI systems - for example, applying psychometric or measurement-theoretic approaches to large language models
  • First research experience: You have already contributed to research at the intersection of AI and behavioral science, ideally evidenced by a thesis, preprint, publication, or conference contribution
  • Technical expertise: You have strong programming skills in Python, experience working with open-source language models (e.g., local inference, structured output generation), and solid training in statistical modeling; experience with R and familiarity with formal models of judgment and decision making are assets
  • Language skills: You have excellent English skills; German skills are not mandatory but an advantage
  • Engagement: You work independently, take initiative, and are well-organized

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

Curious? Visit our website and find out more at www.wu.ac.at/benefits

The minimum monthly gross salary amounts to €2,832.08 (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 July 22, 2026 (ID 2848).
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.