University Professorship for the subject „History and Theory of Modern Art” at the Institute for Art Theory and Cultural Studies (IKW) of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
Salary: Euro 6.713,30
Application deadline: 22 May 2026
University Professorship in accordance with § 98 Austrian University Act 2002 (Universitätsgesetz 2002) for the subject „History and Theory of Modern Art” at the Institute for Art Theory and Cultural Studies (IKW) of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. This full-time employment starts 1 October 2027 and is initially limited to 5 years. Before the expiration of the limited term, an application for an extended or permanent contract can be submitted.
The Institute for Art Theory and Cultural Studies focuses on critical studies in the fields of contemporary art, gender studies, postcolonial studies, sociology, aesthetic theory, art history and media studies.
The advertised position addresses outstanding scholars with expertise in the field of the history and theory of modern art (19th and 20th centuries). Critical reflection on the conceptualization of modernity and modernism with respect to Eurocentrism, coloniality, temporality, and the periodization of artistic and cultural developments is expected. Artistic production, cultural practices, and material cultures should be given special consideration against the backdrop of social movements and contemporary theoretical and methodological discourses.
Responsibilities include teaching and research, the supervision of diploma/MA theses and doctoral dissertations, as well as participation in the institute’s further development, the Master in Critical Studies program, and university self-administration.
Conditions of employment
- an Austrian or international university degree appropriate to the position at a doctoral level, followed by a postdoctoral qualification (Habilitation) or an equivalent qualification in a field of art or cultural studies
- outstanding academic qualification in the subject „History and Theory of Modern Art” which is interdisciplinary in nature
- a distinguished research profile (relevant international publications, conference contributions, etc.) as well as experience with the writing of research proposals
- pedagogical and didactical competences as well as several years of teaching experience in higher education
- relevant international networks
- competence in discursive development and reflection on the arts in the context of the Academy’s research and teaching activities
- willingness to participate in the committees of the university’s self-administration
- very good knowledge of German and/or English and the willingness to learn the respective other language
- general anti-discriminatory understanding and the willingness to further improve these skills
- willingness to choose Vienna as place of residence if appointed
Desired qualifications
- willingness to closely cooperate with the colleagues of the IKW on both content and organizational matters
- willingness to participate in internal and public activities, as well as interdisciplinary projects and collaborations
- expertise in transdisciplinary art and cultural studies
- non-academic practice
- focus on one or more of the following fields: Gender, queer, and trans studies; Disability studies; Media, technologies, or digital cultures; Migration, transcultural, and regional studies
Teaching responsibilities include courses of at least 8 hours per week.
The monthly gross salary according to the collective agreement for university employees in salary group A1 is currently Euro 6.713,30.
How to Apply
Interested parties please apply by enclosing the following documents by 22 May 2026 via www.akbild.ac.at/jobs:
(1) cover letter, (2) CV incl. research projects, (3) list of publications, (4) concept for the positioning and further development of the major field of study in the advertised discipline, (5) academic teaching concept on the motivation, contents and intentions of teaching as well as proof of teaching experience appropriate to the position (6) statement on your anti-discriminatory understanding of teaching, research and academic self-administration.
The Academy of Fine Arts Vienna is committed to a learning, teaching, research and working environment of equal opportunities and works towards the elimination of discrimination and structural barriers. The Academy therefore explicitly endorses applications from qualified persons who are structurally disadvantaged due to their gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or ideology or their age. Special consideration is required if a person combines several grounds of discrimination (intersectional approach).
The Academy of Fine Arts Vienna strives to increase the representation of women and strongly encourages applications from qualified women. Furthermore, the Academy strives to create application and working conditions that are as accessible as possible. In this context, the Academy actively supports the application of people with disabilities. Applicants may contact the Human Resources Department or the Academy’s disability representatives in advance. Applicants are not entitled to compensation for travel and accommodation costs incurred in relation to the admission procedure.
Image credits: Aula, Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien. Akademiegebäude am Schillerplatz Ansicht der Aula © Helmut Wimmer
