The Institute of Iranian Studies (IFI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, is offering a position as

POSTDOC (F/M/X)

(full-time, 40 hours per week)

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to strengthen our team at the recently established Cluster of Excellence EurAsian Transformations. The COE involves more than 30 researchers from four academic institutions (Austrian Academy of Sciences, University of Vienna, Central European University, University of Innsbruck). We explore major questions of current research using original sources in dozens of languages, and analyse cultural and religious, economic and political connections comparatively. We strive for a fruitful interdisciplinary dialogue and seek cooperation with the regions involved in order to create new academic infrastructures in Austria and internationally and to promote plurilateral research perspectives. EurAsia explores the transformation processes of Eurasia - understood as the entire landmass of both continents, Europe and Asia - from antiquity to the present. The position is based at the IFI, a leading research institute advancing cutting-edge research in Iranian studies, and will be associated with the dynamic research environment of the Cluster of Excellence EurAsian Transformations.

The position is defined for research on the cultural and social history of premodern Iran in an interdisciplinary, cross-regional context on the basis of original-language sources, including manuscripts, and with a focus on imperial borderlands and/or transimperial connections from an Iranian vantage point. Applications with a project on any region of the historical Iranian world and on any period from Late Antiquity to the 15th century are welcome. Applications with a focus on regional and transregional agencies of sub-imperial elites and communities and on long-term historical processes are encouraged.

Your Tasks

• Active participation in Node 1 ‘Geographies of Power’ of the Cluster of Excellence EurAsia
• Own research on the cultural and social history of premodern Iran
• Collaboration with other members and groups of the Cluster of Excellence in the development of perspectives on connectivities and comparison beyond your own area of research
• International presentations and publication of project results
• Commitment to the goals of the Cluster and to the integration of its members as well as participation in training and transfer/outreach activities
• Active participation in the activities of the Institute for Iranian Studies

Your Profile

• A PhD in Iranian Studies or a related field
• Experience in working with the relevant Iranian and non-Iranian source languages, depending on the area and period of study
• A publication record commensurate with your postdoctoral research experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Language skills in relevant modern research languages other than English
• Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary exchange and research work in teams

Our Offer

The position is awarded for a period of 36 months. The annual gross salary is currently calculated at € 69.028,40 according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The starting date is flexible, but must not be earlier than June 01, 2025 and not later than September 01, 2025. 

Please apply online including a (1) letter of motivation, (2) list of publications, (3) description of research interests and of a potential case study (2 pages), and (4) a writing sample (published article/book chapter or chapter from the PhD thesis) no later than March 31, 2025. 

Any queries may be directed to Dr. Florian Schwarz

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.