Project staff member

Vienna University of Economics and Business

Research, development, teaching

Part time

published till:

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 Sociology and Social Research

Part-time, 10 hours/week

Starting February 01, 2026 and limited until June 30, 2029

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.

Qualified candidates with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply for this position. If necessary, a reduction of the extent of employment is possible.

Would you like to gain experience in a dynamic and internationally oriented research environment? As a Research Assistant (10 hours/week) at the Institute for Sociology and Social Research, you will support the ongoing research project A Socio-Technical Framework for Online Drug Markets, led by Dr. Meropi Tzanetakis. The project examines the rapid digital transformation of illicit drug markets, global yet largely invisible arenas with an estimated annual turnover of half a trillion EUR. Traditional approaches have struggled to keep pace with these evolving markets, which increasingly rely on digital platforms and emerging technologies, including AI, to connect buyers and sellers. Employing a mixed-methods design, the project explores how technological, social, and economic dynamics intersect in these complex ecosystems. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop your research skills, engage with cutting-edge interdisciplinary work, and build a strong foundation for a future career in academia or research.

What to expect

• Research support: You will contribute to the project's ongoing research activities, including conducting literature searches, collecting, processing and analysing data, and supporting the preparation of academic publications, research reports, and funding applications. You will also present information on research progress and have the opportunity to develop ideas for your Master's thesis within the thematic scope of the project.
• Organisational and administrative support: You will assist with organisational and public-relations tasks, contribute to the coordination of project activities, and support the organisation of academic and outreach events.
• Communication and dissemination: You will help design and implement communication activities related to the research project, contribute to presenting research findings to academic and professional audiences, and support the communication of data and results in accessible and engaging ways.
• Networking and collaboration: You will collaborate with project partners and assist in coordinating activities within the research network. By establishing connections internally and externally, you will contribute to knowledge exchange to make a change in the world.
• Teamwork and participation: You will work closely with colleagues to contribute to joint decisions and the production of high-quality research. Active participation in team meetings, workshops, and other events within the research group and wider academic community will be an integral part of your role.

What you have to offer

• You are currently enrolled in a Master's program at WU Vienna, preferably in Socioeconomics / SEEP / WUPOL. You hold a bachelor's degree in a related social science field and are at the beginning of your master's studies at WU or an advanced bachelor student intending to start a Master's at WU.
• You have demonstrated strong academic performance and a keen interest for academic work in curricular as well as extracurricular activities and achievements.
• You possess very good skills in both German and English (written and spoken) for academic communication.
• You are familiar with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, and ideally have prior experience with data analysis tools such as R, Python, Stata, SPSS and/or NVivo, MAXQDA etc.
• You work independently and reliably, show initiative, and are motivated to engage with interdisciplinary research.
• You have good organisational and communication skills, and an interest in academic collaboration and university-based research environments.

What we offer you

• Six weeks of vacation/Extra vacation time
• Flexible working hours
• Training opportunities
• A wide range of benefits, from an in-house medical officer to athletic activities and a meal allowance to a variety of employee discounts
• Meaningful work in an open-minded, inclusive, and family-friendly environment
• A modern campus with spectacular architecture in the heart of Vienna
• Inspiring campus life with over 2,400 employees in research, teaching, and administration and approximately 21,500 students
• Excellent accessibility by public transportation

The monthly gross salary amounts to €

Do you want to join the WU team?

Then please submit your application by December 24, 2025 (ID 2639).

We are looking forward to hearing from you