Research Assistant (20 hours/week) 

 

The Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) is a regional think tank based in Vienna. Founded in 1953, the institute conducts research with a geographical focus on Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, particularly the Danube Region. We are looking for a highly motivated research assistant to join our team from 1 March 2026. 

 

Your responsibilities: 

  • Support the implementation of the new project „Citizens for EU Enlargement“ (CitizEn), funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. 
  • Maintain and update the IDM’s website and social media channels. 
  • Conduct desk research and prepare briefings and background notes. 
  • Support IDM’s ongoing work (publications, events, project proposals/applications, and educational activities). 

 

Profile: 

  • Strong interest in topics related to the IDM’s target countries and the wider region. 
  • Completed Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. Political Science, International Relations, European Studies, etc.). 
  • Initial relevant experience (internships or comparable roles are welcome). 
  • Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and stakeholders; reliable and well organised. 
  • Works independently and enjoys teamwork. 
  • Excellent English (written and spoken). 
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to the IDM’s target countries (business trips). 

 

Desirable qualifications: 

  • Interest in contributing to the IDM’s organisational development beyond day-to-day tasks. 
  • Motivation to develop subject-matter expertise and communicate it through short policy texts, presentations, publications, or interviews. 
  • Basic experience with Canva (or similar tools). 
  • Knowledge of one or more of the IDM’s target countries. 
  • German and/or other relevant languages is an asset. 

  

What we offer: 

  • A permanent part-time position (20 hours/week) in a small, international team with flat hierarchies and room to develop and implement ideas across the IDM’s formats (events, publications, outreach, analysis). 
  • Work location: IDM, Hahngasse 6, 1090 Vienna, with flexibility in how working days are arranged. 
  • Hybrid work: possibility to work from home on selected days (by arrangement), including up to 20 days of home office abroad per year. 
  • Remuneration: gross salary from EUR 1,000 per month (14 payments per year) for 20 hours/week. Qualifications and experience will be taken into consideration. 
  • Opportunities for further training and professional development. 
  • Long-term perspective: possibility of a full-time position in the future. Students are encouraged to apply. 

 

Application & process: 

Please send your application as a single PDF by 8 February 2026 to: idm@idm.at. 

 

Please include: 

  • CV 
  • Answers to the questions below (instead of a motivation letter): 

 

  1. What interests you most about the IDM’s work and this role (max 150 words)? 
  2. Describe one topic related to EU enlargement / Central and Eastern Europe that you have worked on (study, internship, publication, project). What was your contribution (max 200 words)? 
  3. Give an example of how you would turn a research insight into a short social media post (choose one platform; max 120 words). 
  4. Describe a situation where you managed multiple tasks/deadlines. What approach did you use (max 150 words)? 

 

Interviews are expected to take place in mid-February 2026 (online or in person in Vienna). 

 

For further information, please contact:
Sebastian Schäffer, Director
s.schaeffer@idm.at | +43 650 880 55 44 

 

Download this vacancy as a PDF: Stellenausschreibung_WHK_IDM_Jan_2026