About Position/Job
The Institute for Social Anthropology (ISA) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), Austria’s premier non-university research body, invites applications for three full-time postdoctoral positions. These roles are part of an ERC-funded project, Resource Spirits, led by Prof. Dr. Judith Bovensiepen. The project explores the interaction between animism and extractivism in Southeast Asia through immersive, long-term ethnographic fieldwork. Candidates will join an internationally recognised center of anthropological research and collaborate in an intellectually vibrant team setting.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Institution: Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW)
- Department: Institute for Social Anthropology (ISA)
- Research field: Social Anthropology
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Number of posts: 3
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term
- Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week
- Salary Range: €69,028.40 gross per annum
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Social Anthropology
- Environmental Anthropology
- Animism and Extractivism
- Southeast Asia studies
- Ethnographic Fieldwork
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Social Anthropology (awarded by 1 Jan 2026; not older than 10 years)
- Fieldwork experience in Southeast Asia
- Fluency in a relevant local language
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Familiarity with extractivism and animism literature
- Strong ethical awareness in fieldwork
- Willingness to relocate to Austria (except fieldwork period)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior research on extractive industries or environmental conflict
- Networks in academic or civil society in the region
- Publishing record or strong publication plan
- Experience in collaborative research settings
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct 12–15 months of fieldwork in Indonesia, Malaysia, or the Philippines
- Develop original research within project framework
- Analyse data and publish results
- Actively contribute to group objectives and project events
- Participate in ISA’s Environmental Anthropology working group
Application Process
How to Apply
Submit a single PDF (uploaded under “CV”) containing:
- Cover Letter (max 2 pages)
- Academic CV with publications
- Two writing samples (PhD chapters or published work)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Open now
- Deadline: 20 July 2025
- Interview Date: 10–12 September 2025
Useful Links
- Institution Website: https://www.oeaw.ac.at
- Official Notification Link: POSTDOC (F/M/X) in Social Anthropology
- Apply Now: Application Process
