University Assistant (Postdoc) - Computational Communication Science

University Assistant (Postdoc) - Computational Communication Science

The University of Vienna is seeking a University Assistant (Postdoc) at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Job vacancy starting: 15.09.2026. Working hours: 40.00. Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc). Limited contract until: 14.09.2032. Job ID: 6013.

Your personal scope:

As a University Assistant (Postdoc) you will be part of the Computational Communication Science Lab (CCL), an interdisciplinary research network under the direction of Univ.-Prof. Dr. Annie Waldherr and Univ.-Prof. Hajo Boomgaarden, PhD at the Department of Communication, a subunit of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The aim of the CCL is to improve our understanding of the causes, processes and effects of mediated communication using computational methods. We strive to advance core fields of communication science such as public sphere and public opinion research, journalism and political communication using advanced computational models and methods for collecting, processing, analyzing and visualizing large-scale, complex data. For the vacant position, we particularly search for a colleague experienced in agent-based modeling and simulation as well as network analysis.

Your future tasks:

You will be actively involved in research, teaching and administration activities. Specifically, you will perform the following tasks, among others:

• Participate in research projects and conduct scientific studies in the field of Computational Communication Science (CCS), particularly on digital public spheres
• Further develop your independent research profile in CCS
• Publish in high-impact scientific journals and present your research at international conferences
• Prepare grant applications and acquire third-party funding
• Independently teach courses at BA and MA level as defined by the collective agreement
• Engage in examination and supervision activities
• Take on administrative tasks in research and teaching

This is part of your personality:

• PhD in the Social Sciences, preferably Communication Science
• Excellent publications in CCS in international journals and conference presentations
• Advanced knowledge of CCS methods, especially one or more of the following methods: agent-based modelling and computer simulation, network analysis, time series analysis, text and data mining
• Substantive interest in the areas of digital public spheres and political communication
• High ability to express yourself both orally and in writing
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Proven ability to work in a team
• Experience with third-party funded projects is a plus
• Didactic skills and teaching experience are of advantage

What we offer:

• Opportunity to work in an exciting research environment in the field of CCS
• You will be part of a diverse team and embedded in a network of national and international contacts
• Fair salary: The base salary of EUR 5.014,30 based on full-time employment increases if professional experience can be taken into account.
• Good public transport connections: Your new workplace is easily accessible by public transport.
• Work-life balance: Employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work upon agreement.

It is that easy to apply:

• Letter of motivation
• Academic CV
• List of publications and conference presentations
• Statement of research interests max. 1 p.
• Degree certificates
• Contact details of three reference persons
• Via the job portal / Apply now button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Annie Waldherr: annie.waldherr@univie.ac.at

Application deadline: 17.08.2026