About the PhD Position
The Institute for the Cultural and Intellectual History of Asia (IKGA) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), is inviting a fully funded PhD in Tibetan Studies. This doctoral opportunity is part of the ERC-funded project “The Narrative Foundations of Tibetan Buddhist Culture” (FOUNT), which focuses on the historiography, cultural narratives, and intellectual traditions of Tibet.
The successful candidate will join an international research environment and contribute to advanced academic work on Tibetan Buddhist historiography, especially Emperor Srong-btsan and Avalokiteśvara traditions. In addition, the researcher will pursue a PhD at the University of Vienna, engaging in independent dissertation research, publishing academic outputs, and presenting at international conferences with strong interdisciplinary support.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Tibetan Studies, Buddhist Studies, Asian Studies, or Philology. In addition, a strong knowledge of Classical Tibetan is essential, along with excellent English communication skills. Preferably, candidates should also demonstrate familiarity with historical methods, text-based research, and a willingness to develop German language competence for academic integration.
This is a fully funded, part-time (30 hours/week) doctoral position for up to four years starting October 2026 or soon after. The role offers structured mentorship, international collaboration, and research training in one of Europe’s most respected academic environments, with competitive salary funding and career development opportunities in global humanities research.
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Program Overview
- Position: Fully Funded PhD / Praedoc Researcher in Tibetan Buddhist Studies
- Position type: Part-time (30 hours/week)
- Institution: Austrian Academy of Sciences, Austria
- Department: Institute for the Cultural and Intellectual History of Asia (IKGA)
- Research Group: ERC FOUNT Project (ERC-2025-StG-101222259)
- Supervisor: Prof. Reinier Langelaar
- Location: Vienna
- Country: Austria
- Duration: 4 years (initial 1-year contract, extendable until 2030)
- Start Date: 1 October 2026 (or soon thereafter)
- Funding: Fully Funded (pro-rata gross annual salary €53,140.92 full-time equivalent)
- Employment Type: Part-time (30 hours per week)
- Number of Positions: 1
- Required Degree: Master’s degree (or equivalent by start date)
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Research Area
- Tibetan Buddhist historiography
- Classical Tibetan language and philology
- South Asian and Himalayan studies
- Religious and cultural intellectual history
- Historical narrative formation in Buddhism
- Manuscript and text-based research methodologies
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Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
- Very good knowledge of Classical Tibetan
- Excellent English (spoken and written)
- Strong interest in historical and philological research methods
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with text-based or manuscript research
- Familiarity with digital humanities tools
- Knowledge of German (or willingness to learn)
- Strong academic writing and research motivation
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Key Responsibilities
- Conduct doctoral-level independent research
- Develop and write PhD dissertation at University of Vienna
- Participate in ERC project research activities
- Present findings at international workshops and conferences
- Publish research in peer-reviewed academic journals
- Collaborate with international scholars in Tibetan Studies
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online with complete documentation through the official OeAW job portal.
Required Documents:
- Cover letter (research motivation and interests)
- Detailed CV
- Research proposal (2–3 pages, max 11,000 characters)
- Writing sample
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Contact details of two referees
- Supervisor recommendation letter (submitted separately)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Already open
- Application Deadline: 28 May 2026
- Interview Period: To be announced
- Expected Start Date: October 2026
Where to Apply
- University/Institution: Austrian Academy of Sciences
- Department: IKGA – Institute for the Cultural and Intellectual History of Asia
- Job ID: IKGA052DOC226
Official Information
- Source: Austrian Academy of Sciences official job portal
- Details & Apply Link: Official OeAW careers page (FOUNT ERC Project vacancy)
This position offers an excellent opportunity for scholars seeking fully funded doctoral research, international academic collaboration, and advanced training in Tibetan Buddhist Studies at a globally recognised research institution in Vienna, Austria.
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