Academic Career Paths at WU Vienna

WU Vienna offers structured academic career pathways designed to support researchers at different stages of their professional development.

Our career structure is built around two distinct tracks that offer different approaches to academic career building:

Non-tenure-track system: This pathway provides focused research and teaching opportunities with defined contract periods, allowing academics to develop their expertise while maintaining flexibility in their career development.

The picture show the career path "non tenure track": 1st step: After completion of a master's or diploma degree you can apply for a job as a teaching and research associate: term 6 years max; extent of employment - usually 30 hours/week; teaching load - persuant to operational agreement (starting at 2 credit hours from the 3rd semester onwards) 2nd step: After completion of a PhD/doctoral degree you can apply for a job as a assistant professor (non-tenure track): term 6 years max; extent of employment - usually 40 hours/week; teaching load - 4 credit hours

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Tenure-track system: This route offers a clear path to permanent academic positions through structured qualification and development agreements. For employees who fulfill the established criteria, this means long-term job security and continued career advancement.

The picture show the career path "non tenure track": 1st step: After completion of a master's or diploma degree you can apply for a job as a teaching and research associate: term 6 years max; extent of employment - usually 30 hours/week; teaching load - persuant to operational agreement (starting at 2 credit hours from the 3rd semester onwards); no development agreement 2nd step: After completion of a PhD/doctoral degree you can apply for a job as a assistant professor (non-tenure track): term 6 years max; a development agreement is offered within 2 years extent of employment - usually 40 hours/week; teaching load - 4 credit hours 3rd step: After conclusion of a development agreement (DA) you will be assistant professor, tenure track; if DA is not fulfilled, the fixed term employment contract expires; teaching load - 4 credit hours 4th step: After timeliy fulfillment of the DA you will be university reader: premanent employment; teaching load - 8 credit hours.

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The picture show the career path "non tenure track": 1st step: After completion of a master's or diploma degree you can apply for a job as a teaching and research associate: term 6 years max; extent of employment - usually 30 hours/week; teaching load - persuant to operational agreement (starting at 2 credit hours from the 3rd semester onwards); no development agreement 2nd step: After completion of a PhD/doctoral degree you can apply for a job as a senior assistant professor: a qualification agreement (QA) is offered at the end of the recruitement procedure; term 6 years max; extent of employment - 40 hours/week; teaching load - 4 credit hours 3rd step: After timely fulfillment of the QA you will be associate professor; permanent employment; teaching load - 8 credit hours 4th step: No earlier than 3 years after becoming associate professor you can apply for full professor: evaluation by committee and reviewers ; by decision of the Rector

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Each career level comes with specific responsibilities, teaching loads, and salary structures, ensuring transparency regarding expectations and compensation levels. The figures below illustrate the advancement pathways, qualification requirements, and contract terms for each career stage.

Whether you’re just beginning your postdoctoral career or seeking to advance to senior academic positions, WU’s structured approach provides clear milestones and support systems that are in place to help you achieve your academic goals.

Gross annual salaries vary depending on the level of the position:

PositionGross annual salary (as of 09/2025)
Teaching and Research Associate (30 h/week)€ 39,005.40
Assistant Professor, Non-Tenure Track (NTT)€ 69,060.60
Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Development Agreement (TT DA)€ 69,060.60
- After signing the DA€ 75,600.00
University Reader (Tenure Track DA)€ 83,374.20
Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Qualification Agreement (TT QA)€ 81,314.80 
Associate Professor, Tenure Track, Qualification Agreement (TT QA)€ 92,625.40