University Assistants (prae docs) | PhD in Practice Program 2026

Application Deadline 02.03.2026 

The Academy of Fine Arts Vienna announces three employment positions for doctoral candidates within its doctoral program for research in artistic practice. 

University Assistants (prae docs) | PhD in Practice Program 2026  

Starting 1 October 2026, 4-years-contract at 75% employment level (30 hours per week) 

The “PhD-in-Practice” program provides participants with the opportunity to pursue their individual arts-based research projects in a collective learning environment with a decidedly transdisciplinary and international bent. 

Further details about the PhD-in-Practice Program and the current call are available here. 

• Job holders pursue their individual arts-based research projects in a collective learning environment with a decidedly transdisciplinary and international bent and are writing a dissertation.
• They participate in further research, teaching and administration in the realm of the PhD-in-Practice program.
• Employment is bound to a continued enrollment in the PhD-in-Practice-program and appropriate study progress (according to the PhD-in-Practice curriculum). 

• A degree (Magister, Master or Diploma Studies) from a recognized Austrian or international institution of post-secondary education.
• Presentation of arts-based research project.
• English language skills as required for a successful continuation of studies (to be tested in the course of the admission process to the PhD-in-Practice program)
• Applicants with an ongoing artistic career are encouraged to apply.
• General anti-discriminatory understanding and the willingness to further improve these skills
• Submission of complete application, see here. 

The gross monthly salary for university assistants with 30 hours of employment per week is € 2.832,00 (payment according to job grading B1, § 49 Abs 3 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Employees).  

If you are interested in the position, please apply here.  

The Academy of Fine Arts Vienna strives to increase the proportion of women and strongly encourages applications from qualified women. Likewise, the Academy strives to create application and working conditions that are as barrier-free as possible. Within this framework, the Academy actively supports the application of people with disabilities. Applicants are not entitled to compensation for travel and accommodation expenses incurred in the admission process.