Assistant Professor, non-tenure track - Department of Business Analytics and Decision Sciences

Assistant Professor, non-tenure track - Department of Business Analytics and Decision Sciences

You want to understand how things are connected and make a fundamental impact? We offer an environment where you can realize your full potential. At one of Europe’s largest and most modern business and economics universities. On a campus where quality of work is also quality of life.

We are looking for support at the Department of Business Analytics and Decision Sciences
Fulltime, 40 hours/week
Starting January 01, 2027, and ending after 3 years

Do you want to shape the interface of behavioral science and AI, using language models as research tools and models of the mind, and using behavioral science to evaluate and improve AI? Join a newly established department as a fixed-term Assistant Professor and help build its research program from day one.

What to expect

• Conduct cutting-edge research: You will work at the intersection of behavioral science and AI, in either direction: using large language models as tools, measurement instruments, and simulations of human cognition and behavior (e.g., silicon sampling) for the behavioral sciences, or using behavioral science theory and methods to characterize, evaluate, and improve AI systems, for example by studying their reasoning, biases, and decision making, their psychological profiles, their behavior in interaction with humans, or questions of AI safety. You will publish your findings in leading interdisciplinary journals and conference proceedings
• Develop methods and tools: You will develop open-source methods, datasets, and software that make state-of-the-art AI accessible to behavioral researchers, or that bring behavioral science methods to the evaluation and improvement of AI systems, such as behavioral benchmarks and experimental paradigms for testing AI
• Pursue your own agenda: You will have substantial freedom and resources to advance your own research program and establish yourself as an independent scientist
• Teach in an international program: You will plan and teach courses in English at the intersection of AI, data science, and behavioral science, and co-supervise bachelor's and master's theses
• Collaborate internationally: You will work within an active international network spanning cognitive science, AI, and decision science
• Grow your scientific profile: You will use this fixed-term assistant professorship to expand your networks, gain experience in grant acquisition, and prepare the next step of your academic career

What you have to offer

• Academic degree: You have completed (or are about to complete) a doctoral degree in psychology, cognitive science, economics, computer science, or a related field with excellent results
• Research focus: Your research, as documented by your publications and research statement, connects large language models and the behavioral sciences, for example by using them as methodological tools, measurement instruments, or simulations of human cognition and behavior, or by applying behavioral science methods to characterize, evaluate, or improve the behavior of AI systems, for example their reasoning and decision making, psychological profiles and behavioral robustness, interactions with humans, or safety
• Publication record: You have an excellent publication record for your career stage, including first-authored publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals or top-tier conference proceedings relevant to the field
• Technical expertise: You have strong programming skills (Python or R) and substantial hands-on experience with large language models, including open-source models experience
• Open science: Experience with open and reproducible research practices (e.g., preregistration, open data and code, open-source software) is a strong asset
• Conceptual depth: You are interested in the theoretical and conceptual foundations of human and machine behavior and can connect empirical work to broader questions in behavioral science and AI
• Teaching readiness: You have experience creating accessible scientific materials (e.g., tutorials, workshops) and are prepared to use multimedia teaching and learning formats
• Language skills: You have excellent English skills; German skills are not mandatory but an advantage
• Engagement: You work independently, take initiative, and enjoy collaborative work in an interdisciplinary team

What we offer you

• Six weeks of vacation/Extra vacation time
• Flexible working hours
• Training opportunities
• A wide range of benefits , from an in-house medical officer to athletic activities and a meal allowance to a variety of employee discounts
• Meaningful work in an open-minded, inclusive, and family-friendly environment
• A modern campus with spectacular architecture in the heart of Vienna
• Inspiring campus life with over 2,400 employees in research, teaching, and administration and approximately 21,500 students
• Excellent accessibility by public transportation

Curious? Visit our website and find out more at www.wu.ac.at/benefits.

The minimum monthly gross salary amounts to €5,079.50 (14 times per year). This salary may be adjusted based on equivalent prior work experience. In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive social benefits.

Do you want to join the WU team? Then please submit your application by November 11, 2026 (ID 2936). We are looking forward to hearing from you!

WU is committed to diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from women. Not sure if your profile fully matches our requirements? Apply anyway! In case of equal qualification, female candidates will be given preference. Applicants with disabilities will be supported throughout each stage of the recruitment process. Candidates' qualifications will be assessed in the context of their academic age.