TU-ID: 280 | 2026 | | 264325
University Assistant Prae-Doc (all genders)
30 hours/week | limited to 4 years
The Interdisciplinary Centre for Urban Culture and Public Space (Research Unit E280-09) at the Institute of Spatial Planning of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, TU Wien offers a temporary part-time prae-doc-position (30 hours/week, limited to expected 4 years) in the fields of urban studies.
The job offer carries a strong focus on qualitative, visual and exploratory urban research methods and empirical research experience in space-related disciplines (e.g. spatial planning, architecture, ethnography, human geography, urban sociology, international development, political science, among others). The candidates should be versed in key concepts pertaining to urban studies debates and have ideally already collected first teaching assistance experience in academic environs.
Candidates are explicitly invited to (further) develop their doctoral thesis project at our centre in alignment with the centre's fields of research. Candidates are expected to provide initial experience in urban empirical field research, and mainly qualitative urban research methods and methodologies; in helping to organize academic teaching and in participating in university administration. Experience in scientific publishing and in acquiring third-party research funding will be acknowledged in addition.
We are seeking to hire a person versed in team-work who is curious, acquainted with the field of urban studies, and self-organized while being able to help orient others in their work. Candidates are expected to fluently speak English and German (both in written and in speech), further language skills welcome. The expected start is September 2026.
Tasks:
- Collaboration on urban research and urban studies related teaching tasks as well as during examinations
- Realizing co-teaching activities in planning and architecture studies and through Erasmus cooperation schemes
- Cooperation with and guidance of international students (bachelor and master levels) in the field of urban studies and planning theory
- Writing a dissertation in the field of urban studies (empirically versed, mainly qualitative methodology based)
- Co-writing of research proposals and programmes related to urban studies
- Co-editing and co-authoring of scientific publications, academic articles and presentations in urban studies
- Co-organizing of scientific meetings, conferences and symposia relating to urban studies
- Assistance in the center’s and the institute’s organizational bodies and related commissions
Your profile:
- Finished Master Studies or Diploma Degree in the fields of urban studies, planning, (landscape) architecture or space-related fields in the social sciences and humanities (e.g. in sociology, political science, geography, ethnography, or similar) in Austria or abroad
- Foreign languages: English (fluent) and German (fluent), ideally a third language
- Organizational skills in intercultural work, teamwork capacity as well as individual project management skills
- Scientific writing and coordination skills in research project applications, third-party funding, teaching, and conference organization
- Rhetoric and presentation skills as well as innovative ability
- Academic networking activities e.g. on national and European scales
- Communication skills and intercultural competences as regards team-internal, TU-wide and international as well as external communication
We offer:
- A wide variety and exciting range of tasks in a collegial team
- Hybrid working style with up to 15 % teleworking option
- A range of attractive social benefits (see Benefits)
- Wide range of internal and external training opportunities, various career options
- Central location of workplace as well as good accessibility (U1/U2/U4 Karlsplatz)
People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.
Entry level salary is determined by the pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff. This is a minimum of currently EUR 2,832.10/month gross, 14 times/year for 30 hours/week. Relevant working experiences may increase the monthly income.
We look forward to receiving your application until April 9th, 2026.
Your application should include the following documents:
- CV
- A targeted Motivation Letter (max. 2 pages)
- Diploma or Master Degree Certificates
- Employment References (if available) (+add more documents)
- Visual and Textual Work Samples (max. 2 pages) (+add more documents)
- A doctoral dissertation project exposé (max. 5 pages) (+add more documents)
