A Senior Lecturer (m/f/d, 20 h/w, 6-month fixed-term contract to cover parental leave) - Institute of Conservation

The conservation Institute is seeking a temporary replacement for a Senior Lecturer position (20 hours per week, maternity leave replacement) for a period of six months, starting September 8th 2026.

The successful candidate should have demonstrated experience in university teaching and a strong background in heritage science, with particular expertise in the scientific study of textiles and other organic cultural heritage materials. Excellent communication skills and the ability to contribute to interdisciplinary teaching in the field of cultural heritage conservation are highly desirable.

Requirements:

·      PhD in a natural science discipline, preferably in organic chemistry, biology, or conservation science.

·      Demonstrated teaching skills; prior university teaching experience is an asset.

·      Experience with a range of spectroscopic analytical techniques (e.g. Raman spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF)) and microscopy methods (light microscopy and SEM–EDS).

·      Experience in the analysis of organic materials (e.g. wood, textiles, leather, binding media, plastics, etc.). Knowledge of historical materials and common conservation treatments is considered an advantage.

·      Interest in and experience with interdisciplinary research and collaboration in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

·      Excellent written and spoken German and English (preferable).

·      Expertise in gender and diversity issues.

·      Strong organizational skills.

·      Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

·      Ability to work under pressure, with a proactive and committed approach to work.

Key Responsibilities:

·      Conduct teaching and research in materials science with a focus on organic materials, particularly textiles, pigments and dyes, and wood.

·      Provide scientific and materials-related support to students within the Central Artistic Subject, including the co-supervision of preparatory and diploma theses.

·      Independently teach courses and conduct examinations.

·      Participate in international training, research, and conservation projects.

·      Actively contribute to organizational and administrative duties within the Institute.

The minimum monthly salary for this position is currently € 1,888.05 gross (14x per year for 20 hours per week) and may be increased by taking into account previous work experience in accordance with the collective agreement for universities (B1, salary scheme for scientific/artistic university staff). Depending on education and professional experience, an upgrade and overpayment is possible.

Qualified applicants should upload their written application with relevant documents via our online application portal by 16. August 2026. Unfortunately, applications submitted otherwise cannot be considered.

The University of Applied Arts Vienna pursues an anti-discriminatory employment policy and stands for equal opportunities and diversity. We aim to have a wide range of gender identities, ages, cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds among our employees. We also strive to maintain a high proportion of women among our artistic, scientific, and general university staff, particularly in management positions, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. In the case of underrepresentation, women with equal qualifications and suitability will be given priority.

The University of Applied Arts welcomes applications from people with disabilities. However, the place of employment is not accessible for people with reduced mobility.

We regret to inform you that applicants are not entitled to compensation for travelling and accommodation expenses.