About the Program
The Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences is offering a Praedoc/PhD (f/m/x) position in Archaeobotanics starting December 2025 for a duration of 24 months. This part-time position (30 hours/week in the last six months) is embedded in the Research Group “Prehistoric Identities”, led by Kerstin Rebay-Salisbury, within the Department of Prehistoric Archaeology (Head: B. Horejs). The successful candidate will participate in the FWF-funded “Mining and Dining” project, conducting archaeobotanical analyses of palaeofaeces from the prehistoric salt mines of Hallstatt. This role offers interdisciplinary collaboration with bioarchaeology, parasitology, palynology, and biomolecular research teams, contributing to cutting-edge insights into prehistoric diets and human-environment interactions in Central Europe.
Program Details
- Position: Praedoc (f/m/x) in Archaeobotanics / Prehistoric Archaeology
- Institution: Austrian Archaeological Institute – ÖAI, Austrian Academy of Sciences
- Department/Faculty: Department of Prehistoric Archaeology
- Supervisor: Andreas G. Heiss & Kerstin Kowarik
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Start Date (Anticipated): December 2025
- Duration: 24 months (part-time/fixed-term)
- Funding: Full-time annual gross salary €52,278.38 (pro-rata for part-time)
- Working Hours: 15 hrs/week for first 18 months, 30 hrs/week for last 6 months
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s in Plant Sciences, Prehistoric Archaeology, or related discipline
Research Focus/Area
- Archaeobotanical macro-remain analysis
- Dietary reconstruction from palaeofaeces
- Microscopic identification of charred and desiccated plant remains
- Integration of plant remains into broader archaeological and environmental interpretations
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with parasitology, palynology, and biomolecular teams
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Completed Master’s degree in Plant Sciences, Prehistoric Archaeology, or related discipline
- Documented experience in archaeobotanical macro-remain analysis
- Knowledge of plant anatomy and identification of charred/desiccated remains
- Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently
- Excellent written and spoken English; German is an asset
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in interdisciplinary research environments
- Collaborative mindset with strong organisational skills
- Familiarity with FWF-funded research projects or similar archaeological projects
Key Features of the Program
- Conduct archaeobotanical analysis within the Mining and Dining project
- Prepare samples for parasitological and palynological analyses
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and publications
- Work in Austria’s leading non-university research institution in archaeology
- Engage with international research networks and cutting-edge methodologies
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application via Onlyfy quoting Job ID: OeAI127DOC225.
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) with research experience and future research outline
- Curriculum vitae
- Full academic certificates
- List of publications, conferences, and science communication activities
- Contact information for three references
Important Dates:
- Applications Open: Immediately
- Deadline: 7 November 2025 – 23:55 (Europe/Brussels)
- Interview: TBA
Where to Apply:
- Institution Website: Austrian Archaeological Institute
- Official Notification: click here
- Application Portal: Onlyfy – Apply Here
Learn about more PhD and research opportunities: HigherJobz
