https://www.oeaw.ac.at/jobs?jh=pp87whtumr1xj5anw9ibr7bz48un944
The Austrian Academy of Sciences – ÖAW, the largest, non-university research center for foundational reseach is searching for a candidate for the position of a Prae-doc (Diss) (70%).
Your Tasks
The position is allocated within the framework of the ERC Project Persian Jews – History, Community, Memory. The research explores the history of Jewish communities in the Persian speaking world from the 19th century until today and is based on anthropological and historical methods and research questions, emphasizing original sources in Persian, Hebrew, and Judeo-Persian. It analyses the status of Jewish communities in the environment in which they lived, the circumstances of leaving and settling in new places and how the memory of the past is created in these processes. While the project emphasizes cultural and socio-economic dynamics, a strong focus is on the development and dissemination of religious thought among Persian speaking Jews and their interaction with other Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Besides the praedoc position, the project includes two post-doctoral researchers in addition to the PI. As a whole, the research team is committed to a fruitful interdisciplinary dialogue and seeks cooperation with the regions involved in order to promote plurilateral research perspectives.
The doctoral position is assigned to research on religious and literary aspects of 19th to early 20th-century Judeo-Persian communities. This includes the production and dissemination of texts, religious education and mysticism, as well as the exchange of these ideas in specific locales throughout the 19th century (for example between Bukhara, Tehran and Jerusalem). The focus is envisaged not in terms of theology, but historical and religious studies.
The successful candidate will pursue a PhD dissertation at the University of Vienna, while being integrated in the Institute of Iranian Studies, an internationally leading research institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
Within the larger research project, the position offers the opportunity to link focused research on Persian Jewish communities to larger questions in the humanities, to develop research in continuous inter-disciplinary exchange and to thereby develop a broader outlook on the area of study. Opportunities for mentoring and training in career-relevant skills are available.
Your tasks:
· Pursuing a PhD dissertation project within the ERC project PersCom
· Presence in Vienna and engagement in the project as an active team member
· Active participation in the project’s activities in the domains of research and knowledge transfer
· International presentations and publication of project results
· Active participation in the activities of the Institute for Iranian Studies
Your Profile
· Completed MA in a humanities field relevant to the study of Jewish history in modern Iran or Central Asia
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills the languages relevant to your research (Persian, Hebrew, Tajik)
· Good written and verbal communication skills in English, ability to publish academic articles in English
· Knowledge of Judeo-Persian and religious traditions among Iranian and / or Central Asian Jewish communities
· Openness to interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue
· Initiative and ability to work in a team
Our Offer
The position is awarded on a fixed-term basis for 36 months for an annual gross salary of € 39.208,80 paid out conditional on proof of enrolment at the University of Vienna. PhD supervision arrangements depend on the chosen focus.
Please apply online including a (1) cover letter, (2) academic CV and (3) outline of planned dissertation project of research interest later than January 16, 2026. Any queries may be directed to Dr. Ariane Sadjed: ariane.sadjed@oeaw.ac.at
Use this link to apply: JETZT BEWERBEN Klicken Sie auf diesen Link, um sich für die Stelle zu bewerben.
The Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and places great importance on equal opportunities and diversity. In particular, individuals from underrepresented groups are expressly encouraged to apply.
Kontakt
Main Contact: Dr. Ariane Sadjed ariane.sadjed@oeaw.ac.at
Institute for Iranian Studies, A-1020 Vienna, Austria
Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften | Austrian Academy of Sciences
