Doctoral Recruitment Call 2026: Social Sciences, Humanities & Cultural Studies
The University of Vienna invites applications for at least 40 fully funded doctoral positions in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Cultural Studies (SSH) as part of its Doctoral Recruitment Call 2026.
These positions are designed for highly motivated early-career researchers seeking to pursue innovative, internationally relevant doctoral research within one of Europe’s leading research universities.
The four-year doctoral positions offer a structured research environment, competitive funding, and access to a broad academic network across multiple faculties and doctoral schools.
The University of Vienna actively encourages applications from international candidates committed to excellence in research and academic development.
A World-Class Research Environment
With its strong academic tradition and future-oriented research agenda, the University of Vienna provides an ideal setting for doctoral training in the SSH disciplines. Applicants benefit from:
- First-class academic supervision across a wide range of disciplines
- Vibrant interdisciplinary research networks
- Opportunities to publish, collaborate internationally, and participate in conferences
- Access to one of Europe’s largest and most diverse research environments
A broad pool of eligible supervisors across participating doctoral schools enables candidates to identify the best academic fit for their proposed research project without prior contact.
About the Doctoral Positions
The Doctoral Recruitment Call 2026 offers employment-based doctoral positions under Austria’s collective bargaining agreement, ensuring both academic and professional development.
Key details include:
- Positions: At least 40 fully funded predoctoral positions
- Duration: 4 years
- Workload: 30 hours per week
- Employment framework: Collective bargaining agreement (§48 VwGr. B1)
- Start date: 1 October 2026
- An earlier start from July 2026 is possible
These positions allow doctoral candidates to focus on high-quality research while gaining valuable academic experience within a supportive institutional structure.
Target Group
The call is aimed at ambitious and highly qualified candidates who demonstrate strong academic potential and a clear commitment to research excellence.
Eligible applicants include:
- Candidates with a strong academic track record
- Individuals with a well-developed doctoral project idea
- Applicants intending to pursue their doctorate within one of the participating SSH doctoral schools at the University of Vienna
A full list of participating doctoral schools is available on the University of Vienna website.
Application Timeline and Language
Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare their materials early.
Important dates and requirements:
- Application period:
- 7 January – 2 March 2026
- Deadline: 14:00 CET
- Application language:
- All doctoral schools accept applications in English
- Some schools also accept German
- Applicants should consult individual doctoral school pages for language-specific requirements
- Application mode:
- Centralized online application system, available once the call opens
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the formal eligibility criteria set by the University of Vienna.
Applicants must:
- Have completed, or be able to complete by 30 June 2026, a subject-related diploma or master’s degree
- Meet the doctoral admission requirements of the University of Vienna by the start of employment
- Not have been admitted to a doctoral programme at the University of Vienna before the winter semester 2025/2026, if already enrolled
A detailed overview of eligibility conditions is available in the University’s FAQs.
Application Process
The application process is centralized and designed to ensure transparency and fairness. No prior contact with supervisors is required or permitted.
Application steps include:
- Step 1: Confirm eligibility and degree completion timeline
- Step 2: Identify the relevant doctoral school aligned with the proposed research topic
- Step 3: Select an eligible supervisor from the official list
- Applicants must ensure the correct faculty and supervisor are indicated
- Step 4: Create a u:account and submit the application via the online portal
Supervisor matching and confirmation take place exclusively during the selection process.
Further Information
Applicants seeking additional guidance are encouraged to consult the FAQs and User Guide, which provide detailed instructions on account creation, application submission, and technical requirements.
Apply Now
The Doctoral Recruitment Call 2026 represents a unique opportunity to pursue cutting-edge doctoral research within an internationally recognized academic institution. Talented candidates from around the world are encouraged to apply and contribute to the University of Vienna’s dynamic research community.
