Austrian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information Vienna
Closing soon
6 days ago
Postdoc in Climate/Environmental Anthropology at the Institute for Social Anthropology, Austrian Academy of Sciences Austrian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Social Anthropology in Austria
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Anthropology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 15, 2026
Country
Austria
University
Austrian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information Vienna

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
More information can be found here
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
The Institute for Social Anthropology (ISA) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna is offering a full-time postdoc position in climate/environmental anthropology for 24 months, from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028. The post is part of the ERC-funded project Climate and contemporary transformations of vernacular architecture, led by Huberrt Feiglstorfer, and focuses on how climate and climate change shape vernacular architecture in Alpine and Himalayan regions.
The successful researcher will work within a collaborative, interdisciplinary project environment that brings together anthropology with engineering and natural sciences. Core tasks include coding and analysing interview transcriptions, conducting additional interviews in Europe (especially the Alpine region), contextualising ethnographic findings across European and Asian sites, and contributing to the development of a profile of vernacular architecture. The role combines independent research with close teamwork and participation in the project’s central research questions and objectives.
Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent and strong expertise in anthropology, especially climate/environmental anthropology, with prior research experience in Europe/Alpine regions and knowledge of Alpine history and politics. The project seeks someone comfortable with fieldwork, transcription, analysis, and academic writing, and who can engage with literature on climate change and the built environment. Very good English and German are essential, while French and/or Italian are advantageous.
The position offers an annual gross salary of EUR 70,167.44 (full-time basis), research-only employment with no teaching obligations, flexible working arrangements, and funding for fieldwork, collaboration, and conference participation. The application deadline is 15 October 2026 at 23:55 (Europe/Brussels). Applicants must submit a single PDF via the online portal, including a cover letter, academic CV, project proposal, copies of academic diplomas, and referee details. The team is also expected to support a COST network application and contribute publishable outputs, including a monograph article and journal articles.
This is a strong opportunity for a postdoctoral anthropologist interested in climate, environment, housing, and vernacular architecture in comparative Alpine-Himalayan contexts.
Funding details
Available
What's required
PhD or equivalent in anthropology or a closely related field is required. Applicants should have very good English and German skills, with French and/or Italian preferred. Essential experience includes previous research in Europe/Alpine regions, in-depth knowledge of the history and politics of Alpine regions, climate/environmental anthropology, and social dynamics in settlement and housing processes. Candidates should be familiar with anthropological literature on climate and environmental change, especially built environment topics, and be able to work independently in fieldwork, data analysis, and writing while also collaborating closely with the PI and research team. Awareness of ethical fieldwork issues, personal and participant security, willingness to reside in Austria during the appointment, and readiness to contribute to project events and collaborative outputs are required.
How to apply
Submit a single PDF application via the online portal by 15 October 2026. Include a cover letter, academic CV, project proposal, scanned academic diplomas, and the names and contact details of two referees. Upload the PDF under the CV field.
Ask ApplyKite AI

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.