About this position:We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (Post-Doc) to join the FWF ASTRA project RE-SECURE - Remaking Security: Technopolitics in the Global East, led by Dr. Dagmar Vorlíček, at the Department of Sociology. If you are passionate about interdisciplinary research on security, and would like to contribute to an innovative international research project, we look forward to your application.The project:RE-SECURE - Remaking Security: Technopolitics in the Global East explores how expertise developed under past political regimes can be renegotiated and adapted for new security purposes. Focusing on Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) as a region marked by profound political transformations from the Cold War to the present, the project rethinks the study of security by theorizing how ways of "doing security" are shaped by history, technology, and global connections. The project examines both the symbolic and material dimensions of remaking security, while combining desk research, archival work, and field research. By analysing how technoscientific practices interact with societal understandings of security risks and global politics, RE-SECURE aims to develop an original, historically grounded, and decentered perspective on security from the perspective of the "Global East."Your future tasks:The postdoctoral researcher will lead a case study on cybersecurity in Estonia, examining how Cold War cybernetic expertise has been reworked in the context of post-socialist security transformation of Estonia, especially towards the digital statehood, cybersecurity, and cyber-defence politics. The case study research will involve document analysis, field research with scientists, experts, and policymakers, and archival work in Estonia. The postdoc will contribute to the theoretical and methodological research on the project and will collaborate closely with the Principal Invetsigator and PhD student.Your responsibilities include:Conducting independent postdoctoral research within the RE-SECURE frameworkDeveloping and conducting a case study on cybernetics/cybersecurity in Estonia Designing and carrying out qualitative empirical research (combining interviews, document analysis, and archival research)Contributing to comparative and conceptual work across the project's case studiesPublishing and presenting research results nationally and internationallyParticipating in project meetings, workshops, and research activities of the departmentContributing to literature reviews, conceptual development, and joint publications of the RE-SECURE teamSupport the Principal Investigator in project coordination and mentoring activitiesEngaging in the broader academic life of the faculty Your profile:Completed PhD in sociology, political science, STS, international relations, history, anthropology, or a related disciplineResearch focus on politics, technology, and historyExperience with interdisciplinary research Excellent qualitative methodological skillsDemonstrated ability to publish internationallyFluency in EnglishWorking knowledge of Estonian and/or Russian is an advantage Experience with field research and/or archival research Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team What we offer:Integration into an ambitious FWF-funded international research projectStructured mentoring by the Principal InvestigatorTraining in academic research, publishing, and project managementSupport in career development and future academic applicationsA dynamic and collaborative research environmentAccess to the University of Vienna's professional career development services, training programmes, and continuing education opportunitiesSalary according to the FWF salary rates (post-doc level), including the 13th and 14th monthly salary payments How to apply:Please submit the following documents in a single PDF file:Motivation letter (max. 3 pages), outlining your research interests and how you would contribute to the project RE-SECUREAcademic CVTwo writing samples (e.g. article, dissertation chapter)Contact details of three academic referees (name, institutional affiliation, email address)Via our job portal/ Apply now - button.If you have any questions, please contact:Dagmar Vorlicek look forward to new personalities in our team! The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women's representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.Data protection Application deadline: 07/31/2026 Apply now