Full Professor in Religious Education and Catechetics, University of Vienna, Austria

Summary

The University of Vienna seeks a Full Professor in Religious Education and Catechetics, jointly appointed to the Faculty of Catholic Theology and the Centre for Teacher Education. The role involves leading research and teaching in religious education, interdisciplinary collaboration with Protestant, Islamic and Orthodox traditions, and active participation in academic self‑administration. Candidates must hold a doctorate in Catholic theology, an excellent habilitation or equivalent, and a strong record of third‑party funding. Responsibilities include designing large research projects, supervising bachelor, master and doctoral students, and contributing to organisational duties. The position offers an attractive salary under the collective agreement, a start‑up package, comprehensive relocation support, and a requirement to acquire German language proficiency within three years. Applications are due by 15 December 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Faculty of Catholic Theology (KTF) and Centre for Teacher Education
Position Type	Full Professor
Discipline	Religious Education and Catechetics
Research Area	Political sciences; Sociology
Degree Required	Doctorate in Catholic theology and habilitation (or equivalent)
Salary	Attractive salary according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Staff
Funding	Salary (Collective Bargaining Agreement)
Language	German (proficiency to be acquired within three years)
Deadline	2026-12-15
Required Documents	Letter of motivation, Academic curriculum vitae
Employer Address	Universitätsring 1 1010 Vienna, Austria
Employer Contact	[email protected]; [email protected]

About the Project

The professorship focuses on religious education and catechetics, integrating hermeneutic and empirical approaches to explore faith communication and the translation of theological findings for diverse audiences. It emphasizes interdisciplinary and interreligious cooperation with Protestant, Islamic, Orthodox, and other didactic fields, and involves close collaboration with church and state officials as well as the Private University College of Teacher Education of Christian Churches Vienna/Lower Austria.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent religious education and catechetics in research and teaching
• Participate in academic self‑administration and organisational duties
• Foster interdisciplinary and interreligious cooperation across theological traditions
• Cooperate proactively with church, state officials and external teacher education institutions
• Design and manage large research projects
• Teach and supervise at bachelor, master and doctoral levels
• Supervise master and PhD students
• Contribute to curriculum development and course delivery

Required Skills

• Outstanding research achievements and international reputation
• Excellent publication and funding record
• Experience designing and managing large research projects
• Excellent teaching and supervision skills at all levels
• Leadership and gender‑diversity competence
• Willingness to assume organisational and administrative responsibilities
• Knowledge of the Austrian school system and church educational work
• Ability to acquire German proficiency for teaching within three years

Who Should Apply

Applicants should have a doctorate in Catholic theology, an outstanding habilitation or equivalent, and an internationally recognised research profile with successful third‑party funding. They need proven experience in managing large research projects, teaching at all university levels, and supervising graduate students. Leadership, gender‑diversity competence, and willingness to take on administrative duties are required. Candidates must be prepared to acquire German proficiency for teaching within three years and possess knowledge of the Austrian school system and church educational work.

Benefits

• Dynamic research environment
• Wide range of research and teaching support services
• Attractive salary according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Organisational retirement plan
• Start‑up package for initiating research projects
• Comprehensive support for newly appointed professors and their families

About the Employer

The University of Vienna is internationally renowned for its excellence in teaching and research, employing more than 7,500 academics across all disciplines. It offers a multidisciplinary environment that addresses complex societal challenges and fosters innovative approaches to education and research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 15 December 2026.

What language proficiency is required?

Candidates must acquire German proficiency sufficient for teaching within three years.

Which documents must be submitted?

A single PDF containing a letter of motivation, academic curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching and supervision statement, and related supporting information.