The University of Vienna, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, is offering an exciting fully funded PhD position in Environmental Economics starting April 1, 2026. With more than 10,000 staff members working across research, teaching, and administration, the university is a global hub for innovative and interdisciplinary research.
This position is ideal for ambitious early-career researchers who want to work at the intersection of economics, environmental risk, and disaster mitigation, while being embedded in a strong international research network.
Position Overview
- Job Title: University Assistant Prae Doc (Environmental Economics)
- Faculty: Faculty of Business, Economics and Statistics
- Department: Economics
- Working Hours: 30 hours per week
- Start Date: April 1, 2026
- Contract Duration: 4 years (initially 1.5 years, automatically extended)
- Salary: €3,776.10 gross/month (full-time equivalent)
- Location: Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1, Vienna, Austria
- Application Deadline: February 16, 2026
- Job ID: 5235
Research Environment and Academic Network
This PhD position is part of STRENGTH, the University of Vienna’s interdisciplinary research platform focused on resilience and preparedness for emerging socio-natural hazards and risks. The project brings together experts from:
- Environmental Economics
- Physical Geography
- Spatial Data Science
- Environmental Psychology
The successful candidate will also be enrolled in the Vienna Graduate School of Economics (VGSE), part of the Oskar Morgenstern Doctoral School (OMDS). The PhD program is fully taught in English and offers advanced field courses, intensive supervision, and high-level research seminars.
Research Focus
The PhD research will concentrate on optimal disaster mitigation policies, with a strong emphasis on the economic value of early warning systems (EWS).
Early warning systems play a critical role in reducing disaster risks, but their effectiveness depends on multiple factors such as regional context, hazard type, and social behavior. This project aims to evaluate their welfare effects using:
- Economic theory and optimization models
- Econometric and statistical analysis
- Survey data and experimental methods
Supervision will be provided by Prof. Alexandra Brausmann (Environmental Economics) and Prof. Thomas Glade (Geomorphic Systems and Risk Research), with the option to include additional specialized co-supervisors.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Academic Development
- Completion of a PhD dissertation (agreement expected within 12 months)
- Contribution to international research collaborations
- Participation in funded research projects
- Development of theoretical and empirical models
- Analysis of existing datasets and collection of original survey data
- Design and implementation of experimental studies
- Publication of research in peer-reviewed journals
- Presentation of results at international conferences
- Fieldwork participation, including disaster task force missions
Teaching and Academic Service
- Independent teaching from the second year onward
- Supervision of students and participation in examinations
- Contribution to quality assurance and evaluation activities
- Active involvement in departmental administration
Candidate Profile
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Economics or a closely related field
- Strong background in optimization and mathematical economics
- Solid econometrics and statistical analysis skills
- Experience with data processing and quantitative methods
- Excellent written and spoken English
Preferred Qualifications
- Specialization in Environmental Economics or Economic Geography
- Experience with interdisciplinary research
- GIS skills
- Teaching experience at university level
- Academic writing experience
- Proficiency in R, Python, or Stata
- Commitment to open science principles
Technical Skills
Required
- Microsoft Office
Desirable
- Geographic Information Systems (desktop and server)
- Programming languages
- Literature database management
- Adobe software
What the University of Vienna Offers
- An intellectually stimulating and international research environment
- Access to more than 600 free training and professional development courses
- Competitive and transparent salary structure
- Flexible working hours with hybrid work options
- Strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities
- Excellent public transport connections in central Vienna
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following documents via the University of Vienna job portal:
- Cover letter (maximum 2 pages, in English)
- Academic CV
- List of publications and teaching experience (if applicable)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree transcripts
- Two reference letters (sent directly by referees to application@vgse.at)
Application Deadline: February 16, 2026
Interviews: Late February / Early March 2026
Start Date: April 1, 2026
For inquiries, contact:
Alexandra Brausmann
alexandra.brausmann@univie.ac.at
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Vienna is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment. Women are especially encouraged to apply. In cases of equal qualification, preference will be given to female candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this PhD position fully funded?
Yes. The position includes a competitive salary, social security, and full employment benefits under Austrian law.
Is teaching required?
Yes. Independent teaching begins in the second year, in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
Is knowledge of German required?
No. The PhD program and research environment operate entirely in English.
Can international candidates apply?
Absolutely. Applications from international candidates are strongly encouraged.
Where is the University of Vienna located?
The position is based at Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1, Vienna, with excellent public transport access.
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