University assistant predoctoral (all genders welcome; in German: Universitätsassistent:in)

Work where science meets quality of life: The University of Klagenfurt is a dynamic and internationally oriented university in the heart of the Alps-Adriatic region. With around 1,700 employees and 13,000 students, we combine an excellent research climate, innovative teaching, and an open, appreciative culture. Our core values – equality, diversity, health, sustainability, and the compatibility of work and family – shape our daily interactions.

The following position will be filled at the Department of Media and Communications at the Faculty of Social Sciences with the preferred starting date as soon as possible (the specific date will be agreed upon during the application process):

University assistant predoctoral (all genders welcome; in German: Universitätsassistent:in)

Level of employment: 100 % (40 hours/week)

Minimum salary:  € 52,865.40 per annum (gross); classification according to collective agreement: B1

Limited to: 4 years

Application deadline: March 11, 2026

Reference code: 513/25

The University assistant position is part of the new Digital Media and Methods Lab located at the Department of Media and Communications at the University of Klagenfurt. The lab’s research centers on the role of digital platforms, AI, and Big Tech in shaping individual and collective opinion formation. We advance theoretical and empirical research on journalism, political communication, and media effects in digital environments. Methodologically, we focus on quantitative approaches (e.g., content analysis, surveys, longitudinal modelling) and computational social science (e.g., automated content analysis, digital traces). We embrace open science practices and building methodological capacities for the scientific community, with a focus on interdisciplinary perspectives. We welcome researchers who want to explore the relationship between technology, media, and society.

The advertised jobs with the reference codes 513/25 and 514/25 are dual job advertisements. This means that two different job profiles for similar areas of responsibility have been formulated, but only one position will be filled. The selection of the suitable candidate will take place as part of a comprehensive recruitment process and the decision as to which position will be filled lies with the advertising organisational unit.

• Academic research with the aim of completing a doctoral dissertation in Communication Research
• International research activities, including publications and presentations at conferences
• Teaching, especially in the English-language BA programme “Digital Media, Culture, and Communication (DMC²)”
• Supervision of students
• Engaging in collaboratively building tutorials for quantitative methods/CSS at the faculty of social sciences
• Participation in further research, teaching, and administrative activities of the lab and the department
• Support in public relations and science communication activities

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Media and/or Communication Research from a national or international higher education institution, completed with at least “good” as the average grade. Note: This requirement must be fulfilled at least two weeks before commencing employment – at the latest, July 15, 2026.
• Plan to complete a PhD project in Communication Research related to topics of the Digital Media and Methods Lab
• Skills in quantitative methods (e.g., content analysis, surveys, statistics) and/or computational approaches (e.g., R/Python, automated content analysis, digital trace data)
• Very good knowledge of spoken and written German (at least C1) and English (at least C1)

• Experience in university research or teaching or practical experiences in Media and Communication (e.g., as a student assistant, as part of research projects, in jobs)
• Experience or interest in interdisciplinary work
• Good scientific communication and presentation skills
• Social skills and the ability to work both independently and in teams
• High motivation and initiative

• The monthly minimum salary on a full-time basis is € 3,776.10 gross (14 x annually). According to the collective agreement provisions, the salary can be increased by recognising your activity-specific prior experience.
• Work where it works best for you – thanks to flexible working hours and remote options
• Team spirit meets diversity – bring your individual background into our dedicated team
• Sustainably mobile – your workplace is on our green campus and easily accessible by public transport
• With us, equal opportunities apply to all: We look forward to every additional personality in the team
• Personal and professional development through diverse offers
• Numerous attractive additional benefits – including non-working days on December 24, December 31, and Good Friday, and a company pension contribution
• Family-friendly and health-promoting university culture – Our family services support staff with questions around childcare, compatibility, and family life and offers flexible care and holiday programmes. At the same time, we strengthen health and well-being with a diverse sports, massage, and preventive care programme – see https://jobs.aau.at/en/the-university-as-employer/

We look forward to receiving your application via our Job Portal under the reference code 513/25 no later than March 11, 2026, including:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research proposal for a PhD project within the Digital Media and Methods Lab (1 page excluding references)
• Master’s thesis and, if available, the evaluation/report for the thesis. If the thesis is not yet available yet, candidates should simply note this in the cover letter.
• Degree certificates (Bachelor and Master)
• Official transcripts (Bachelor and Master) containing the list of all courses and grades. If the Master’s transcripts are not available yet, candidates should preferably include transcripts on their current progress or, otherwise, note in the cover letter why this is not possible.

We can only accept applications submitted before the deadline and comprising all necessary documents. Candidates must furnish proof that they meet the required qualifications at least two weeks before commencing employment – at the latest by July 15, 2026. Applicants who meet the required qualifications but have not yet completed the necessary master’s or diploma degree may still apply, provided they are able to meet this requirement by July 15, 2026.

 Do you have further questions? Please contact Prof. Valerie Hase (valerie.hase@aau.at). Recruitment and staff matters at the University of Klagenfurt are accompanied by the authority responsible for the recruitment procedure as well as by the Equal Opportunities Working Group and, if applicable, by the Representative for Disabled Persons.

The University of Klagenfurt strives to increase the proportion of women in all areas where they are underrepresented and expressly encourages qualified women to apply. The University of Klagenfurt is committed to anti-discrimination, equal opportunities, and diversity. People with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses who meet the required qualification criteria are expressly encouraged to apply.

Travel and accommodation costs incurred during the application process will not be refunded. In order to give all applicants the same opportunity, the first round of interviews may take place online.

Translations into other languages serve informational purposes only. Solely the version advertised in the University Bulletin (Mitteilungsblatt) is legally binding.