Offer Description
Would you like to develop your own research profile within an EU-wide Doctoral Network that advances resilient methods for the conservation of heritage architecture and sites? Are you looking for a PhD position with a competitive salary in a diverse, inspiring, and supportive environment—while living in a UNESCO World Heritage city between the Alps and the Mediterranean?
The University of Graz offers an internationally connected setting where researchers and students collaborate across a broad disciplinary spectrum to expand knowledge, address pressing societal challenges, and shape tomorrow’s world. We combine high-quality research and teaching with a strong commitment to rewarding achievement, promoting careers, and fostering social diversity—within a modern, award-winning working environment.
With around 4,700 employees, the University of Graz works collectively on future-oriented questions and solutions. Our students and researchers engage with the major transformations of our time and share their expertise with society. Our motto is clear: We work for tomorrow. Join us—and be part of it.
Institutes where the project is being carried out:
The PhD candidate will be employed at the Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change at the University of Graz, which combines climate, environmental, and socio-economic research from the global to the regional level. The Center contributes to the understanding of climate and global change, the socio-economic drivers and impacts of climate change and mitigation, and the transition to a low-carbon future. As an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented institute, the Wegener Center brings together researchers from fields such as geophysics and climate physics, meteorology, economics, transition and transdisciplinary research, as well as geography and regional research.
The Department of Geography and Regional Science will be the main supervisor for the PhD position. It acts on a broad range of research activities across six interdisciplinary research groups [two research groups within physical geography, two within human geography, geospatial technologies (GST), and geographical and socio-economic education]. The department applies different research techniques and methods in order to investigate structures and processes on local, regional, and global scales. Both the Wegener Center of Climate and Global Change and the Department of Geography and Regional Science have an inter- and transdisciplinary nature in research covering natural and social sciences, as well as humanities, with a focus on integrative strategies.
The PhD project "Social Assessment - Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites by Integrating Socio-Cultural Perspectives for Inclusive Preservation" within the MSCA-DN project is described as follows.
Objectives: Investigation of effective strategies to engage local communities and stakeholders in the preservation of cultural heritage sites vulnerable to water-related threats. Emphasize the cultural and social value of these sites in community engagement efforts. Conduct research on the perception, value, and significance of heritage sites within local communities. Examine how heritage preservation, particularly in the context of water-related challenges, impacts the cultural identity and social cohesion of communities.
Expected Results: Develop actionable recommendations for fostering community involvement in heritage preservation, ensuring that local perspectives and values are integrated into conservation initiatives. Provide valuable insights into the socio-cultural impacts of heritage conservation, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness between cultural heritage and community dynamics. Offer practical and implementable conservation strategies that not only address water-related risks but also consider the broader socio-cultural context.
Expected Output: Easy-to-use decision-making tool for social impact and participation.
Supervisory Committee: Supervisor: Ao.Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr.rer.nat. Wolfgang Sulzer, Department of Geography and Regional Science/University of Graz (academic); Co-Supervisor: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ilona Otto, Wegener Center/University of Graz (academic); Mentor: Dr. Andrea Jany, Wegener Center/University of Graz (academic); Thomas Höflehner, Institute of Housing Research/Graz (non-academic)
Planned secondment(s): all for surveys; Secondment 1: CERGY PARIS UNIVERSITE, France (B.Menendez), M6, 4 months; Secondment 2: POLITECNICO DI MILANO, Italy (A.Landi), M18, 4 months; Secondment 3: USTAV TEORETICKE A APLIKOVANE MECHANIKY AVCR, Praha/Czechia, (R.Sevcik) M26, 4 months
Enrolment in Doctoral degree(s): Interdisciplinary doctoral programme at the Faculty of Environmental, Regional and Educational Sciences; subject area: Geography and Regional Sciences, University of Graz, Austria
Conditions of employment: We offer a 3-year full-time PhD contract. The full-time yearly gross salary is € 52.865,40 of living allowance and 710€ of Mobility Allowance. A Family Allowance will be paid if applicable. This amount is gross, and all compulsory deductions under national law will apply, including: Social security contributions and any applicable direct taxes. The salary and terms of employment for this position will comply with the provisions set out in the Collective Agreement for Universities and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions regulations.
Skills/Qualifications
- Applicants should not have been awarded a PhD degree
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Be highly motivated
- Creativity and a high level of independence
- Strong interest in the built environment, transdisciplinary, and qualitative research
- Fulfill all requirements according to the curriculum of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral programme at the Faculty of Environmental, Regional and Educational Sciences at the University of Graz
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Where to apply: https://forms.office.com/e/KfMm59Buts?origin=lprLink