PostDoc in Organization of Software Development (f/m/d) Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) in Austria

The Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U), Austria’s first public interdisciplinary university dedicated to digital transformation, invites applications for a PostDoc in Organization of Software Development (f/m/d). This full-time position, based in Vienna and Linz, offers a unique opportunity to join the Transforming Economies Lab at IT:U and the Complexity Science Hub (CSH), Europe’s leading research center for translating data into societal solutions. The research program centers on analyzing large-scale digital traces of software development, utilizing high-resolution, line-by-line coding activity data. The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in designing, implementing, and extending integrated data pipelines that transform raw digital trace data into structured datasets for research, leveraging Python-based workflows and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.

Building on this infrastructure, the project supports empirical research on the organization and geography of software development, collaboration and teamwork, and the impact of automation and AI tools in software production. The position offers flexibility for the postdoc to focus on pipeline development or lead/co-develop empirical research, all within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. The joint IT:U–CSH setting tightly couples data engineering and academic research, fostering scalable and reproducible research workflows.

The research team bridges two complementary institutions: IT:U, with its focus on data-intensive research and computational methods, and CSH, renowned for its study of complex systems and computational approaches to social science questions. Researchers benefit from access to rich collaborative networks, high-performance computing resources, and a culture of methodological innovation and interdisciplinary learning. The environment is ideal for postdocs seeking to combine infrastructure development with scientific research, working alongside scholars from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities include designing and maintaining data pipelines for processing large-scale software development data, collaborating with PhD students, postdocs, and senior researchers, contributing to grant writing, co-developing and leading research projects, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at international conferences, and engaging in seminars and workshops. Applicants must have a completed PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., physics, applied mathematics, computer science, economics, management, economic geography), experience with computational or data-intensive research methods, proficiency in Python, and strong English communication skills (minimum C1). Onsite presence in Vienna and/or Linz is required.

The position offers competitive compensation starting from €67,000 yearly gross salary, flexible working hours, access to research infrastructure, and opportunities for project-based teaching. IT:U values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Application materials (CV, cover letter, PhD certificate) must be submitted via the online portal. In your cover letter, describe your experience with computational workflows, your perspective on data infrastructure and research questions, and your interests in pipeline development, collaborative infrastructure, or empirical research. For further information, contact Dr. David Bancelin, Expert in Scientific Talent & Administration, at [email protected].

Apply online at https://career.it-u.at/register/76822.