PhD position in the research platform “Multilateralism Revisited”

The Environmental Politics Research Group is participating in the new, interdisciplinary research platform “Multilateralism Revisited“.

This research platform is dedicated to enhancing the University of Vienna’s research profile by building on the city’s distinctive international role. It aspires to develop into a vibrant institutional center for interdisciplinary scholarship on multilateralism, fostering dialogue among academics, practitioners, and civil society actors, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of international negotiations and cooperation. Multilateralism has increasingly come under attack in recent years. At the same time, there is a growing understanding that contemporary issues—from climate change to artificial intelligence to pandemics—are global and require multilateral solutions. The research platform will study challenges to multilateralism in the past, present, and future from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Within this scope there will be four doctoral research positions, one of them associated with the EPRG.

These positions will explore how current global challenges affect(ed) multilateral negotiations relating to
1) the colonial past and its legacies (from a historical and development studies perspective),
2) the governance of dual-use technologies such as nuclear energy and artificial intelligence (from a historical perspective),
3) data sharing in the governance of environmental crimes (from a political science perspective), and
4) resource extraction in “the global commons” such as the high seas (from an international law perspective).

We are looking for a candidate who is eager to develop a PhD research project in the topic “data sharing in the governance of environmental crimes (from a political science perspective). The research will be supervised by Arne Langlet-Uranüs and Alice Vadrot.

Requirements

Necessary

Completed above-average master’s degree in political science, history, development studies, international law or related disciplines (degree must be conferred no later than the starting date of the position)
Excellent command of written and spoken English
Experience with relevant research methods (e.g. archival research, data analysis) and academic writing
Interest in inter- and transdisciplinary work
Strong commitment to finish your PhD project within four years
Commitment to teamwork and required social skills
Commitment to live in or near Vienna

Asset

Experience with interdisciplinary research and work settings
Didactic competences (e.g. experience as teaching assistant)
Interest in science communication beyond academia
Previous research or practical experience regarding international organizations and multilateralism
Basic German skills

What we offer

Duration of employment: The employment duration is 4 years (30 hours/week). Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.
Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic research setting in an attractive working environment.
Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR EUR 2.832,10 (30 hours per week, gross, 14 times per year) increases if we can credit professional experience. This includes benefits (pension system) and health insurance.
Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy family-friendly working hours and can partially work remotely.
Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.
Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Application deadline: 12.04.2026

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact:
Cara Nairz-Vith – multilateralism-revisited@univie.ac.at