The European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research, a UN-affiliated intergovernmental organization in Vienna, has a vacancy for a researcher to work on a broad range of issues in employment and labour market research and policy analysis in an international comparative perspective in the UNECE region.

Location: Vienna, Austria

Starting date: March/April 2026 for a duration of one year, with the perspective of prolongation to permanent employment

Application deadline: 19 December 2025

What are my responsibilities?

• In-depth national and international comparative research on employment and labour markets and policies in Austria, the European Union and beyond in the UNECE region.
• Implement applied research (quantitative and/or mixed methods) and policy analysis, as well as policy advice in the key areas of the Employment and Labour Mobility Team.
• Contribute to the implementation of current projects such as HORIZON-co-funded projects on labour market transitions and social dialogue.
• Contribute to project acquisition including the design of research proposals.
• Carry out the daily management of projects, ensuring communication with partners and multi-stakeholder networks in the UNECE region, as well as dissemination of research findings at national and international events.

What do I need to qualify for this job?

• MA, or similar (PhD is an asset) plus three to five years of professional working experience in social sciences, political sciences, economics and/or related disciplines
• In-depth national and international comparative research experience on at least two core themes the Employment and Labour Mobility Team works on, i.e., employment and labour market policies, active labour market measures, new forms of work, labour market transformations, labour standards and working conditions, industrial relations, and labour mobility and labour migration.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research including good knowledge of quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods, with a proven record of carrying out own research projects.
• A proven track record in project acquisition (national and international) and proposal writing.
• Excellent communication skills and fluent English (oral and written) are a must. Working knowledge of German and other European languages is an advantage.
• Experience in working with stakeholders in the fields of employment and labour mobility such as public authorities, NGOs, international organisations as well as international networking.
• Team spirit and ability to work in a multicultural work environment on interdisciplinary aspects of employment.
• Flexibility to engage in a broad field of research questions.
• A track record of publications (peer-reviewed articles or/and policy-oriented papers and reports) will be considered.

What we offer:

• Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and teleworking agreements. The workplace is Vienna, there is no possibility to fill this position remotely.
• Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international team of excellent researchers in a sound working environment.
• Good public transport connections: Your workplace is situated in the centre of Vienna and is easily accessible by public transport.
• Coaching and training possibilities: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis.
• Fringe benefits: You can choose between the KlimaTicket and luncheon vouchers.
• Equal opportunities for everyone: We value diverse personalities in the team.
• The annual gross payment offered is at least EUR 52,500 for 37.5 hours/week, with the possibility of higher salary depending on qualifications and experience.

 

Application instructions:

Please describe how your education and work experience fits the position (max. 2 pages). Submit this document together with your CV and one sample from your recent research publications (journal article, book chapter, thesis chapter, report) that covers one of the core areas of the position.

Please send your application documents by email to application@euro.centre.org.

For further information on this vacancy, please contact Judith Schreiber by phone (+ 43 1 319 45 05 10) or e-mail (vacancyinfo@euro.centre.org).