4 Teaching and Research Assistants

  • Vienna University of Economics and Business
  • Research, development, teaching
  • Part time
  • published till: 2025-04-09
You want to understand how things are connected and make a fundamental impact? We offer an environment where you can realize your full potential. At one of Europe’s largest and most modern business and economics universities. On a campus where quality of work is also quality of life. We are looking for support at the
 
Institute for International Political Economy
Part-time, 8 hours/week
Starting May 15, 2025, and limited until July 31, 2026

Please note that pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, only students who have not yet completed a master or diploma degree program can be employed.
 
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Teaching and Research Assistant to join the Institute for International Political Economy. Do you want to better understand how politics shapes economics and how economics influences politics? Are you eager to explore the politics of trade, investment, and finance? If so, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative teaching and cutting-edge research while gaining valuable experience in data analysis, academic writing, and organizational tasks. This role is ideal for those looking to sharpen their skills in preparation for PhD applications or careers in research institutes, think tanks, or advocacy organizations. 
 
We explicitly recognize the positive value of diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. We aim to recruit the candidate best suited to the role and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including all ages, genders, sexual orientations, nationalities, religions, and beliefs. We particularly encourage applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and candidates from minority groups, as these groups are often underrepresented in the academic sector. Additionally, we offer flexibility in our work environment to accommodate diverse life circumstances, including adaptable working hours, recognition of religious holidays, and the possibility of remote work.

What to expect

Research Assistance
  • Support research activities in international political economy, including conducting literature reviews, data collection, and case study development.
  • Manage and process quantitative data using Stata or R, including cleaning, reshaping, and merging datasets.
  • Perform statistical analyses and develop data visualizations to support research and teaching.
  • Assist in coding and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Draft research summaries, reports, presentations, and other materials as needed.
 
Teaching Support
  • Assist in the preparation of lecture materials, including developing case studies, identifying relevant real-world examples, and summarizing academic literature.
  • Develop and update teaching materials, such as slide decks, handouts, and instructional documents.
  • Support the design and maintenance of online learning platforms (e.g., Canvas, Moodle), including content management and course structuring.
  • Assist with examination-related tasks, including drafting exam questions, administering assessments, and grading assignments.
  • Contribute to the development of innovative teaching methods to enhance student engagement, including the use of digital tools and social media platforms (e.g., Instagram).
 
Organizational and Administrative Support
  • Assist in the development of promotional materials for courses, events, and programs.
  • Support the planning and execution of institute events and activities for students, alumni, and external stakeholders.

What you have to offer

Research Assistance
  • Expertise in Stata or R: Demonstrated excellence in quantitative data management and analysis using Stata or R. Candidates should possess advanced skills in data cleaning, transformation, merging complex datasets, and executing statistical analyses.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, perform statistical analyses, and create clear, effective visualizations.
 
Teaching Support
  • Experience with Online Learning Platforms: Familiarity with creating and managing content on platforms such as Canvas and Moodle.
  • Innovative Teaching Methods: Interest in engaging and inspiring students through creative teaching approaches.
  • Technical Skills: Knowledge of LaTeX and Beamer for preparing professional lecture materials is an advantage.
  • Didactic Approaches: Familiarity with innovative pedagogical methods, such as case-based learning or gamification, is a plus.
 
Third Mission Activities
  • Social Media Engagement: Experience in designing content for platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn to effectively engage student and alumni communities.
 
Other Skills and Competencies
  • Language Proficiency: Excellent command of spoken and written English; proficiency in German is a plus.
  • Academic Interests: A strong interest in international political economy or related fields. Knowledge of topics such as government debt, trade finance, foreign direct investment (FDI), and political institutions is a plus.
  • Work Ethic: A conscientious, detail-oriented, and independent working style.
  • Organizational and Time Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a structured and systematic approach to meeting deadlines.
  • Proactivity and Initiative: An ability to contribute original ideas is essential. Our open, low-hierarchy institute structure values independence, proactivity, and a collaborative mindset.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: A high degree of cultural awareness is necessary for working within our diverse international team, which includes colleagues from countries such as Colombia, Iran, Latvia, Indonesia, the USA, Germany, and Austria.
  • Personal Qualities: You are curious, ambitious, and enthusiastic about academic work. You approach new challenges systematically and innovatively while remaining open to new ideas. You demonstrate responsibility, reliability, resilience, and flexibility. We seek individuals who are passionate about actively shaping the academic and social life of the institute.
 
Full applications include: 
  • Academic Writing Sample: Submit your strongest piece of academic writing that is single-authored and includes a statistical analysis. Please provide a single PDF file that includes: a) the paper, and b) the corresponding statistical analysis code (i.e., the content of your .do file for Stata or .R script).
  • AI Prompt and Output: Submit an AI-generated script for an Instagram reel introducing students to the following newspaper article: The Economist, “Rwanda Does a Putin in Congo” (January 28, 2025). Provide a single PDF file that contains: a) the AI prompt you used, and b) the resulting script. 
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Submit a comprehensive CV that clearly details how and where you acquired the skills and qualifications relevant to this position.
  • Proof of Enrollment: Provide a current certificate of enrollment to confirm your student status.

What we offer you

  • Inspiring campus life with over 2,400 employees in research, teaching, and administration and approximately 21,500 students
  • A modern campus with spectacular architecture in the heart of Vienna
  • Excellent accessibility by public transportation
  • Meaningful work in an open-minded, inclusive, and family-friendly environment
  • Flexible working hours
  • A wide range of benefits, from an in-house medical officer to athletic activities and a meal allowance to a variety of employee discounts
Curious? Visit our website and find out more at www.wu.ac.at/benefits

The monthly gross salary amounts to €539,84.

Do you want to join the WU team?
Then please submit your application by April 09, 2025 (ID 2381).
We are looking forward to hearing from you!