Two Research Assistants (12 Hrs / Week each)
The ERC-funded Research Project “FutureSpace” (lead by Assist.Prof. Nina Klimburg-Witjes) explores the shifting temporalities, infrastructures, and imaginaries shaping contemporary space activities. We examine how geopolitical competition, commercial ambitions, and environmental concerns intersect in the making of space futures, with a particular focus on European space policy in a global context.
For more details, please see website https://futurespace-project.eu/
Job Description:
- Conduct literature reviews and summarize key debates in STS, Social Studies of Outer Space, space policy, and related fields.
- Assist in data collection and curation, including policy documents, media reports, and expert interviews (transcription and coding)
- Support qualitative data analysis and contribute to the preparation of research outputs (e.g., reports, presentations, academic publications).
- Provide administrative and organizational support for project-related events, workshops, and meetings
- Support for preparation and organization of the “Ethnographies of Outer Space” symposium in September 2025
Profile:
- Master student in STS, interest in writing a MA thesis on space-related questions
- Good basic knowledge of science and technology studies
- Excellent organisational skills
- Very good computer literacy, interest in developing software skills (e.g. Atlas.ti, mapping tools)
- Ability to work independently, manage tasks efficiently, and collaborate within an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Very good proficiency in English. German, French or Italian are an asset
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
What we offer
- A stimulating, supportive research environment with opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge discussions on space futures
- access to literature collection, opportunities to present and discuss ongoing MA thesis research with the FutureSpace team
- Potential to co-author publications and participate in conferences and workshops
- Participation in a bi-weekly reading group to engage with key debates in STS and Social Studies of Outer Space
- First-hand insights into ongoing empirical research
- Salary of EUR 1.349,60 (on a 20 hour basis)
Please enclose the following documents to your application:
- Letter of intent
- Curriculum Vitae
- 1 Writing sample (term paper, essay, blog)
Please mention if you already have an idea for a potential MA thesis topic broadly related to the Outer Space politics, infrastructures, or imaginaries.
Every person is welcome to apply. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, in particular also from persons identifying as female or non-binary.
Please apply until March 30th, 2025 by sending an email to nina.witjes@univie.ac.at and joseph.popper@univie.ac.at
