Postdoc in Digital Anthropology – Vienna, Austria HigherJobz

About Position/Job

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), Austria’s premier non-university research institute, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Digital Anthropology. This role contributes to the ERC-funded project Resource Spirits led by Prof. Judith Bovensiepen. The successful applicant will investigate the interaction between artificial intelligence and energy, particularly in extractive resource sectors, through an ethnographic lens. The position promotes collaborative research and independent inquiry aligned with ISA’s Environmental Anthropology programme.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (F/M/X)
Institution: Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW)
Department: Institute for Social Anthropology (ISA)
Research field: Digital Anthropology
Location: Vienna, Austria
Number of post: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Postdoc (36 months)
Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary Range: €69,028.40 gross annually
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research area

Artificial Intelligence and Energy
Digital Anthropology
Environmental Anthropology
Ethnographic Fieldwork
Indigenous Land Rights
Extractive Industries and Technology
Remote Resource Management

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Social Anthropology or closely related field, awarded between 2016 and 2026
Proven research experience in digital and/or environmental anthropology
Expertise in ethnographic methods and fieldwork with relevant language skills
Familiarity with anthropological literature on AI and energy
Capacity for independent research and collaboration within a team project
Commitment to reside in Austria (except for fieldwork) during the appointment

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of Southeast Asia or transnational resource politics
Excellent analytical and academic writing skills
Experience in interdisciplinary research environments

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement a research project on AI and energy
Conduct long-term ethnographic fieldwork
Collaborate with team members on ERC project goals
Participate in ISA and project-specific academic activities
Present findings and publish in peer-reviewed outlets

Application Process

How to Apply

Submit your complete application as a single PDF file under “CV” via the official application portal.

Required Documents:

Cover Letter (max. 1 page)
Research Proposal (max. 3 pages) including research question, context, methods, originality, and ERC alignment
Academic CV with publication list
Two writing samples (publications or PhD chapters)

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