FutureSpace is an ERC Starting Grant project led by Assist.Prof. Nina Klimburg-Witjes that examines how European space infrastructure produces new forms of territorial and scalar politics. The project focuses on the Ariane rocket program as a site of European di/integration, exploring how geopolitical competition, commercial ambitions, and environmental concerns intersect in shaping space-related futures. Through multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork across Europe, we are developing innovative theoretical frameworks for understanding Earth-space relations. Learn more at https://futurespace-project.eu
Your Responsibilities
- Conduct short-term ethnographic fieldwork in European countries
- Contribute to the conceptual and theoretical development of the research project
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed international STS and adjacent journals
- Contribute to research group management and project development
- Organize academic events (workshops, conference panels) and co-organize our regular FutureSpace online talks series
Your Profile - We are looking for candidates who:
- Hold a PhD in STS or related social science fields
- Have proven strong grounding in STS concepts and theories
- Bring experience with qualitative research methods (interviewing, fieldwork, ethnography)
- Are comfortable working in interdisciplinary, collaborative environments
- Are interested in engaging with policymakers and engineers as part of empirical research
- Enjoy both independent and collaborative work
- Possess excellent English language skills (French or Italian are an asset)
- Demonstrate rigorous and creative approaches to academic research
What We Offer
- An intellectually vibrant environment at the Department of Science and Technology Studies, recognized for critical, interdisciplinary research on science, technology, and society
- Office location in the historic city center of Vienna, one of Europe's most livable cities
- A collaborative research culture that supports both collective goals and individual professional development
- Excellent opportunities for open-access peer-reviewed publications, international conference participation, and career mentorship
- Family-friendly working environment
- No mandatory teaching requirements for this position
- Competitive salary: EUR 4,932.90 gross per month (paid 14 times annually)
- Basic health insurance is covered by the employer
- Anticipated start date: January 2026
Application Materials - Please submit:
- Letter of motivation
- CV including publication list
- Two selected papers (or sections of larger publications) demonstrating your writing
- Research statement (2-3 pages, references excluded) outlining how you would contribute to the project (project proposal available upon request)
- Names and contact details of two referees
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from persons identifying as female or non-binary.
For questions or to submit your application, please contact: nina.witjes@univie.ac.at
