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Are you looking for the exact details on the latest University Assistant postdoctoral position at the University of Vienna? This part-time (20 hours/week), 6-year postdoc role in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Statistics focuses heavily on family firm internationalization and offers a base salary of €5,014.30 (full-time equivalent) paid 14 times a year. The final application deadline is March 5, 2026, making it a critical, time-sensitive career opportunity for academics specializing in global business strategies.
Securing a postdoctoral fellowship at a top-tier European institution requires a deep understanding of the department’s academic goals. This comprehensive guide breaks down the research expectations, salary framework, and application requirements to help you position your academic profile perfectly for this highly competitive role.
What is the University Assistant Postdoctoral Role?
The University of Vienna is a massive academic community of almost 11,000 individuals, including roughly 7,700 academic staff members dedicated to groundbreaking research. This specific role is embedded within the Department of Marketing and International Business.
The successful candidate will work directly under the guidance of Univ.-Prof. Dr. Emmanuella Plakoyiannaki, a globally recognized Chaired Professor who was recently elected as a Fellow of the European International Business Academy (EIBA). Her team is known for theoretically rigorous and empirically grounded investigations, offering a dynamic environment for an early-career scholar.
Research Focus: Family Firm Internationalization
Your primary academic mission will be to conduct and publish theory-driven, empirically rigorous research in leading international peer-reviewed journals. The Institute of International Business specifically requires expertise in:
- Family firm internationalization and network embeddedness.
- Qualitative research methods, including advanced case studies, in-depth interviews, and archival research.
- Contributing to competitive research grant applications and third-party funded projects.
As a postdoc, you will not only be researching; you will actively shape the scholarly debate by presenting your findings at high-profile international academic conferences.
Salary, Benefits, and Work-Life Balance in Vienna
One of the most attractive aspects of this position is the transparent and highly competitive compensation package governed by the Austrian collective bargaining agreement (§48 VwGr. B1 lit. b).
- Fair Salary Structure: The basic salary is €5,014.30 based on a full-time (40 hours/week) schedule. Because this specific position is a 20-hour-per-week role, your actual take-home will be prorated, but it is paid 14 times a year (which includes generous summer and winter bonuses standard in Austria). Furthermore, your starting salary can increase if you have previous professional experience that can be credited.
- Long-Term Stability: Unlike many short-term postdoc contracts, this position is limited until March 31, 2032, giving you six full years to build an independent academic profile.
- Work-Life Balance: The University of Vienna strongly promotes employee well-being by offering flexible working hours and partial remote work options.
- Professional Development: You will have access to over 600 internal training and coaching courses free of charge, allowing you to continuously deepen your didactic and methodological skills.
Requirements: Is This Postdoc Position Right for You?
To thrive in the University of Vienna’s academic ecosystem, candidates must possess a highly specific blend of qualifications. The hiring committee is looking for a proactive, team-minded scholar with an outstanding doctoral dissertation in International Business.
Key personality and professional traits include:
- Academic Pedigree: A completed PhD in International Business with a clear focus on family firms.
- Methodological Expertise: Strong skills in qualitative methods and a proven track record of working papers or submissions to top-tier journals.
- Teaching Experience: Documented experience in university-level teaching, e-learning formats, and a willingness to supervise bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students.
- Language Skills: An excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 level) is mandatory, while a good command of German is considered highly desirable for administrative integration.
How to Apply for Postdoctoral
The university strictly requires all application dossiers to be submitted exclusively via the official University of Vienna job portal. Do not email your application documents directly to the department. Ensure your package includes:
- A detailed scientific curriculum vitae highlighting your research experience and teaching background.
- A compelling letter of intent outlining your specific academic objectives and motivation for joining Prof. Plakoyiannaki’s team.
- A complete list of publications, including manuscripts currently under review, paired with a concise summary of your planned research interests.
- A copy of your official PhD degree certificate.
- Reference letters or the direct contact details of academic referees.
The University of Vienna actively enforces an anti-discriminatory employment policy and highly encourages qualified female researchers to apply, particularly emphasizing the advancement of women in academic leadership roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the application deadline for the University Assistant postdoctoral position?
The final deadline to submit your application via the university portal is March 5, 2026. - What are the working hours for this role?
This is a part-time position requiring a weekly workload of 20 hours. - How much does a postdoc at the University of Vienna earn?
Under the B1 lit. b collective agreement, the base salary is €5,014.30 per month on a full-time equivalent basis, paid 14 times a year, with potential increases based on prior experience. - What is the primary research focus of this job?
The successful candidate will focus on international business, specifically the internationalization processes of family firms, network embeddedness, and the application of qualitative research methods. - Can I work remotely?
Yes, the university offers an inspiring working atmosphere that includes flexible hours and the ability to partially work remotely.
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