University of Salzburg PhD Positions in Austria

  •  PhD
  •  02-May-2025
  •   Austria
  • $$  Funded position with a gross monthly salary of EUR 2786.10 (paid 14 times a year), plus social insurance and additional funds for training, conferences, and career support

The University of Salzburg invites applications for two PhD Positions within the ERC Starting Grant project INCONEX, focusing on qualitative representation research. Successful candidates will conduct interviews and focus groups, co-develop theoretical concepts, and actively contribute to the project’s research, publication, and dissemination activities.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in Political Science or a related field by October 1, 2025. They should have strong academic interests in political representation, excellent English skills, and working knowledge of German and/or Spanish. Experience with qualitative research methods, particularly interviews and/or focus groups, is required.

Universität Salzburg Information

Universität Salzburg Grants

University of Salzburg PhD Positions in Austria Established in 1622, Universität Salzburg (University of Salzburg) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Salzburg (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants). Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft and Forschung, Österreich (Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, Austria), Universität Salzburg (US) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Universität Salzburg (US) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Eligible Countries: All nationalities are eligible to apply.

  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in Political Science or a closely related discipline.

  • Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Hold a very good Master’s degree in Political Science or a related discipline by the start date (October 1, 2025).

    • Demonstrate academic interest in political representation and familiarity with EU and member states’ political systems.

    • Possess excellent command of English and working knowledge of German and/or Spanish.

    • Show experience and skills in qualitative research methods, particularly interviews and/or focus groups.

    • Ideally have experience with software such as MAXQDA and transcription tools like Trint or noScribe.

    • Exhibit strong communication skills, teamwork ability, and high responsibility and commitment.

Offered Benefits

  • Four years of funded PhD study (30 hours/week, 75% FTE) starting October 1, 2025.

  • Competitive salary according to the Austrian Collective Bargaining Agreement (EUR 2786.10 gross/month, 14 salaries annually).

  • Social insurance coverage, including healthcare and pension.

  • Additional funding available for methods training, conference attendance, and career development.

  • Participation in a vibrant international research community at the Department of Political Science and SCEUS.

  • Opportunities to engage in cutting-edge qualitative research and develop an independent PhD project in the field of political representation.

Application Process

Applicants must prepare the following documents in a single PDF file:

  • Cover letter detailing interest in the project, qualitative methods experience, and ideal starting date.

  • A one-page outline of a potential PhD project (including research question, relevance, theoretical expectations, envisioned data collection and analysis).

  • Current Curriculum Vitae (CV).

  • Copies of university diplomas and transcripts of records.

  • Writing sample (e.g., research paper, publication, or Master’s thesis).

  • Contact details of two potential referees.

Applications should be submitted via email to with the subject line “Application INCONEX PhD” by 2 May 2025 (end of day).

For informal inquiries, applicants can contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Lucy Kinski ( ).

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