Assistant Professor, non-tenure track - Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Social Science Methodology with a strong focus on Political Economy or Comparative Public Policy

Assistant Professor, non-tenure track - Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Social Science Methodology with a strong focus on Political Economy or Comparative Public Policy

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 Institute for Political Economy of Public Policy
Fulltime, 40 hours/week
Starting February 01, 2027, and ending after 6 years

Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Social Science Methodology with a strong focus on Political Economy or Comparative Public Policy

The Department of Socioeconomics at WU Vienna University of Economics and Business invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track postdoctoral position. We seek a researcher who combines an equally ambitious research agenda in political economy or comparative public policy and in modern quantitative research designs. The position offers the opportunity to pursue theoretically informed, empirically rigorous research in an active and internationally oriented social science environment. We welcome applicants who ask consequential questions about politics, institutions, and socioeconomic change—and bring compelling research designs to bear on them. Substantive interests are open within political economy and comparative public policy.

Your research and contribution

You will develop an independent research agenda, produce work aimed at leading international journals, and contribute actively to the department’s intellectual life through research exchange and collaboration. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work demonstrates a thoughtful connection between substantive questions, theoretical arguments, and empirical identification. Relevant approaches include experimental and quasi-experimental designs, survey experiments, and advanced observational methods. We value careful measurement, transparent and reproducible research practices, and sound judgment about what the evidence can and cannot establish.

Teaching in social science methodology is a central part of the position. You will contribute to the department’s quantitative methods teaching, helping students develop the skills to formulate research questions, assess research designs, and conduct rigorous empirical analyses. There may also be opportunities to teach substantive courses in your area of expertise. Teaching is predominantly in English.

An interest in developing externally funded research projects and strengthening international research connections is welcome. Knowledge of German is an asset.

What to expect

• Conducting independent research: You will actively contribute to the research at the Department of Socioeconomics, publish in top journals in the field, and present at international academic conferences.
• Teaching and supporting courses: You will plan and teach courses (4 semester hours per week/2 courses each semester) in the Bachelor and Master programs of the Department of Socioeconomics.
• Supervising students: You will be available to answer students’ questions and act as a supervisor for bachelor’s and master’s theses.
• Benefiting from a strong researcher environment: You will work in an excellent, internationally connected team that supports you in developing your own research projects, advancing publications, and expanding your network.
• Organizational tasks: As part of the team, you will support selected organizational tasks of the department and/or the institute.
• Building up a professional network: You will be using the post-doc phase to establish yourself as an independent researcher and expand your own professional network, keeping the WU’s third mission and societal engagement in mind.

What you have to offer - Your profile

We are looking for applicants with:

• Academic degree: A PhD or equivalent qualification in political science or a closely related discipline.
• Research Profile: A distinctive research agenda in political economy or comparative public policy, with the potential to make significant contributions to international scholarship.
• Methodological Expertise: A research agenda in quantitative social science methodology.
• Research Excellence: Evidence of research excellence appropriate to career stage, demonstrated through publications and a pipeline of research aimed at leading social science journals.
• Teaching experience: Expertise in advanced quantitative methods and an experience in teaching research methods.
• Teaching Excellence: A commitment to excellent teaching and the ability to explain demanding methodological concepts clearly, ideally supported by experience teaching quantitative social science methods.
• Teamwork: A collaborative approach and a willingness to participate actively in the department’s research and teaching community.

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.

How to apply

Please apply through WU’s online recruitment system, using position ID 2930. Your application should include:

• A cover letter outlining your research agenda, methodological expertise, and fit with the position.
• A curriculum vitae, including your publications.
• A list of courses taught.

Please complete the WU application form. Do not include research papers or references at this stage. We look forward to learning about your research and the contribution you would make to our department.

Do you want to join the WU team? Then please submit your application by November 11, 2026 (ID 2930). 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.