Tenure-Track Professorship in Intercultural Philosophy of Religion

Call for Applications
Faculty of Catholic Theology, University of Vienna, Austria
Application Deadline: September 25, 2025

The Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of Vienna invites applications for a tenure-track Professorship in Intercultural Philosophy of Religion. This tenure-track position promotes the innovative project of intercultural philosophy of religion, based on systematic discourses of justification and a solid knowledge of non-Christian philosophies of religion in research and teaching. Core issues include the philosophical clarification of the concept of religion, the relationship between religion and philosophy, philosophical reflection on possibilities for dialogue between different religions, and current questions concerning the relationship between religion and politics, especially with regard to human rights and democracy.

Requirements include an extensive knowledge of the tradition of continental European philosophy, taking into account the Jewish and Christian traditions, and a research focus in a non-Christian philosophy of religion, preferably Buddhism, Hinduism, or Islam. Proven academic publications in the field of current intercultural philosophical discourse are a prerequisite for a successful application.

The appointee is expected to contribute significantly to the profile and teaching program in Intercultural Philosophy of Religion and to the Research Center Religion and Transformation in Contemporary Society. Active participation in the Vienna Doctoral School of Theology and Research on Religion is also expected.

The tenure-track position is anchored in the Institute for Intercultural Philosophy of Religion at the Faculty of Catholic Theology, where questions of philosophy of religion have long been addressed with intercultural openness, and in the interfaculty research center Religion and Transformation in Contemporary Society, which has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary religious research. In addition, cooperation with the cultural studies departments of the University of Vienna and with the Austrian Academy of Sciences is possible.

Academic Profile:

• Doctoral degree/PhD
• Two years of international research experience during or after doctoral studies
• Outstanding research achievements, an excellent publication and funding record, international reputation
• Gender and diversity competence
• Experience in designing and participating in research projects; ability to lead research groups and acquire third-party funding
• Enthusiasm for excellent teaching and supervision at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels

The successful candidate is expected to acquire, within three years, proficiency in German sufficient for teaching in bachelor’s programs and for participation in university committees.

The University of Vienna Offers:

• The opportunity to obtain a permanent position and eventual promotion to full professor; the initial contract as Assistant Professor is limited to six years, after a positive evaluation of a qualification agreement the contract becomes permanent as Associate Professor; Associate Professors may be promoted to Full Professor through an internal competitive procedure
• A dynamic research environment
• A wide range of research and teaching support services
• Attractive working conditions in a city with a high quality of life
• An attractive salary according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Staff (level A2) and an organizational retirement plan

Applications must be submitted online by September 25, 2025. Required documents include: a letter of motivation, a research statement, an academic curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a teaching and supervision statement.

For inquiries, please contact: tenuretrack.personal@univie.ac.at.

More information at: University of Vienna