The University of Vienna is inviting applications for an Excavation Technician at the Institute of Prehistory and Historical Archaeology in Vienna, Austria. It is a fixed-term role of 40 hours per week, expected to start on 1 January 2027. The contract is initially for 12 months with the option of continuing the fixed-term employment after the initial contract period.
The successful candidate will join the Chair of Historical Archaeology at the University of Vienna. The position focuses on archaeological excavation and building research and is connected with the research programmes “Dynamics in Rural Areas” and “Identities and Material Cultures”. The role combines archaeological fieldwork with teaching and research.
The role involves organising and carrying out archaeological fieldwork for both teaching and research excavations. It covers technical excavation management, digital documentation, artefact management, preparation of Harris matrices, and archaeological building documentation. The work also includes participation in teaching excavations and building research exercises.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Prehistory and Historical Archaeology or a related archaeological discipline by the appointment date. They also need practical experience in stratigraphic excavation, surveying, digital documentation and excavation administration, along with knowledge of CAD, GIS and image-based modelling. Applicants also need C1-level German, B2-level English and a Category B driving licence.
Position Details
- Position: Excavation Technician
- Official Reference number: 6139
- Institution: University of Vienna, Austria
- Institute: Institute of Prehistory and Historical Archaeology
- Research Discipline(s): Historical Archaeology, Archaeological Excavation, Archaeological Building Research
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Contract Duration: Fixed-term for 12 months, with the possibility of extending the fixed-term contract
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week
- Salary: €3,131.30 gross per month
- Required Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Prehistory and Historical Archaeology or a related archaeological discipline
Research Areas
The position focuses on archaeological excavation, historical archaeology and the study and documentation of archaeological buildings:
- Historical Archaeology
- Archaeological Excavation
- Archaeological Building Research
- Medieval and Modern Archaeology
- Digital Archaeological Documentation
Eligibility/Qualifications
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Prehistory and Historical Archaeology or a related archaeological discipline by the start of employment. Knowledge of medieval and modern archaeology is required, supported by relevant training or practical experience.
Required qualifications and experience:
- Practical experience in stratigraphic excavation, including preparing Harris matrices.
- Experience with surveying, digital documentation and the evaluation of excavation or building research projects.
- Knowledge of archaeological excavation administration and reporting.
- Experience with image-based modelling, CAD and GIS, preferably QGIS.
- Experience working in teams and interdisciplinary research projects.
- German at C1 level and English at B2 level, both written and spoken.
- Category B driving licence.
Salary and Benefits
The position is offered at 40 hours per week, with a monthly gross salary of €3,131.30, paid 14 times per year under the General Personnel IIIb basic level. Previous professional experience may be taken into account when determining the salary.
The University of Vienna also provides:
- Flexible working hours with working arrangements agreed according to official requirements and personal needs.
- Shared office workspace at the workplace in Vienna.
- Good public transport connections to the university.
- Internal training and coaching to support ongoing professional development.
Key Responsibilities
The top responsibilities for the role include:
- Providing technical supervision and independent documentation of archaeological excavations.
- Using surveying equipment such as total stations and image-based modelling methods, including drone applications.
- Managing artefact records and preparing Harris matrices.
- Contributing to excavation reports in accordance with BDA guidelines.
- Producing plans and photographic plans for archaeological building documentation.
- Participating in teaching excavations and archaeological building research courses.
Application Process
Applicants can submit their applications in German and should demonstrate their previous excavation, building research and digital documentation experience. They should also provide evidence of relevant training and qualifications alongside their CV and motivation letter.
Required documents include:
- Letter of motivation, maximum two pages
- Curriculum vitae
- List of previous excavation and building research activities, particularly administrative work, excavation management, artefact management, reporting and digital documentation
- Evidence or certificates of training in CAD, GIS and image-based modelling
- Graduation certificates
For content-related questions, applicants can contact Thomas Kühtreiber at thomas.kuehtreiber@univie.ac.at.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 October 2026
- Expected Start Date: 1 January 2027
Eligible candidates should submit their application through the official University of Vienna recruitment page for Job ID 6139.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology jobs in Europe
- Archaeology jobs in Austria
- European academic jobs
- Humanities research opportunities
- Cultural Heritage jobs Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position at the University of Vienna?
The vacancy is for an Excavation Technician at the Institute of Prehistory and Historical Archaeology, working within the Chair of Historical Archaeology.
When does the position start?
The position is expected to start on 1 January 2027.
What is the contract duration?
The initial contract is for 12 months, with the possibility of extending the fixed-term contract.
What degree is required?
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Prehistory and Historical Archaeology or a related archaeological discipline by the appointment date.
Are German language skills required?
Yes. German proficiency at a minimum C1 level is required, while written and spoken English at a minimum B2 level is also required.
What is the salary for the position?
The gross monthly salary is €3,131.30, paid 14 times per year. Previous experience may be credited.
Institutional Overview
The University of Vienna, founded in 1365, is located in Vienna, Austria. It is the country’s largest university and research institution, with around 87,000 students and 11,000 staff. The Institute of Prehistory and Historical Archaeology studies the human past through archaeological evidence, with research covering Austrian, European and Western Asian archaeology. Its work includes archaeological fieldwork, landscape archaeology, archaeological prospection, excavation methods and interdisciplinary research. The institute also supports practical archaeological research through specialist facilities, including an aerial photography archive, workshops, a study collection and a specialist library.
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