About the Program
The Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), the country’s leading non-university research institution, invites applications for a Prae-doc (PhD) position in Cultural Anthropology. This Position is a part of the ERC project Persian Jews – History, Community, Memory. Based at the Institute of Iranian Studies in Vienna, this doctoral position focuses on the religious and literary traditions of 19th to early 20th-century Judeo-Persian communities. The research will explore the production, circulation, and reception of texts, religious education, and mysticism, as well as intellectual exchanges between centres such as Bukhara, Tehran, and Jerusalem. The successful candidate will pursue their PhD at the University of Vienna, working alongside an interdisciplinary team committed to innovative, collaborative, and international research. This role provides a unique opportunity to link focused regional studies with broader debates in the humanities.
Program Details
- Position: PhD Position (Prae-doc, 70%)
- Institution: Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW)
- Department/Faculty: Institute of Iranian Studies
- Supervisor: Dr Ariane Sadjed (contact: ariane.sadjed@oeaw.ac.at)
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Start Date: 1 March 2026
- Duration: 36 months
- Funding: €39,208.80 gross annually (conditional on University of Vienna enrolment)
- Working Hours: 30 hrs/week
- Required Degree: Master’s in Humanities relevant to Iran or Central Asia
Research Focus/Area
- Cultural Anthropology
- Intellectual and cultural exchanges in the Persian-speaking world
- Religious and literary traditions of Judeo-Persian communities
- Text production and dissemination
- Religious education and mysticism
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in a relevant humanities field
- Strong knowledge of Judeo-Persian traditions
- Proficiency in Persian, Hebrew, or Tajik
- Excellent written and spoken English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in Iranian or Central Asian studies
- Strong academic record and publication skills
- Openness to interdisciplinary collaboration
Key Features of the Program
- Integration into a leading international research institute
- Interdisciplinary teamwork within an ERC-funded project
- Mentoring and career development opportunities
- Participation in conferences and international workshops
Application Process
How to Apply: Submit via the ÖAW online portal
Required Documents:
- Cover letter
- Academic CV
- Outline of proposed dissertation project
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 26 August 2025
- Deadline: 1 October 2025 (23:55 CET)
- Start Date: 1 March 2026
Where to Apply
- University Website: Austrian Academy of Sciences
- Official Notification: ÖAW Job Portal
- Apply Now: Prae-doc (Diss) W/M/X
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