The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is hiring a Research Assistant (G5) in Vienna for 2026. Salary €4,600–€4,850 per month. Apply by 10 March 2026.
Overview
The United Nations is recruiting a Research Assistant (G5) under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna, Austria.
This role is based at the Vienna duty station and sits within the Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA).
- Position: Research Assistant (G5)
- Job Opening ID: 272685
- Duty Station: Vienna
- Department: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
- Category: General Service (G-5)
- Salary: €4,600 – €4,850 per month (estimated)
- Posted: 18 February 2026
- Deadline: 10 March 2026
This position is funded from extra-budgetary resources and is initially offered for one year, subject to funding availability.
About UNODC
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) works globally to combat illicit drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism. The Research Assistant will support the Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch, particularly on issues related to:
- Illicit synthetic drugs
- New psychoactive substances (NPS)
- Forensic early warning systems
- Scientific data management and validation
Key Responsibilities
The Research Assistant will support scientific and analytical work related to illicit synthetic drugs and emerging substances.
Research and Data Analysis
- Research and compile technical data on synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances
- Extract and process scientific data into databases and web portals
- Assist in evaluating chemical datasets for clarity, accuracy, and validity
- Monitor scientific journals and relevant databases
Web and Database Management
- Support content management of the Early Warning Advisory web portal
- Assist with database administration and updates
- Perform data quality assurance and validation tasks
Reporting and Visualization
- Prepare reports, tables, graphs, and presentations
- Develop visual materials for web pages and information brochures
- Support data visualization for knowledge sharing and decision-making
Administrative and Operational Support
- Assist with organizing seminars and conferences
- Support official travel and vendor payment monitoring
- Provide training and guidance to junior staff
Eligibility Criteria
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent is required
- The minimum required work experience is reduced for candidates holding a first-level university degree or higher
Experience
- Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in data collection, research, and analysis in areas such as:
- Health
- Drug control
- Chemicals
- Crime prevention
- Reduced to three (3) years with a university degree
Desirable Experience
- Experience with:
- Content management systems
- Relational databases
- MS Excel
- Drug control, pharmacology, toxicology, or chemistry
- Data quality assurance
Language
- English is required (UN Level III proficiency)
Important Recruitment Conditions
- This is a locally recruited position in Vienna.
- Applicants must be authorized to work in Austria.
- Relocation costs are not covered.
- Initial appointment is for one year, subject to funding.
The United Nations does not charge any application fees at any stage of recruitment.
Why Consider This Role?
This Research Assistant position offers:
- Competitive monthly salary (€4,600–€4,850)
- Work within a UN scientific and policy-focused division
- Exposure to global drug monitoring and forensic analysis systems
- Involvement in international early warning advisory platforms
It is particularly suitable for candidates with strong analytical skills and experience in scientific data management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the salary for the Research Assistant role?
The estimated monthly salary ranges between €4,600 and €4,850.
2. Is this position remote?
No. The duty station is Vienna, Austria.
3. Is a university degree required?
A high school diploma is required. However, candidates with a university degree benefit from reduced minimum experience requirements.
4. What type of contract is offered?
The position is funded from extra-budgetary resources and initially offered for one year, subject to funding availability.
5. What experience is most valuable for this role?
Experience in data analysis, drug control, pharmacology, toxicology, chemistry, or database management is highly desirable.
6. When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 10 March 2026.
Conclusion
The Research Assistant (G5) position at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna presents a strong opportunity for experienced research professionals with expertise in drug monitoring, scientific data management, and database systems. With a competitive salary and international exposure, this 2026 role is suitable for qualified candidates seeking to contribute to global drug control and forensic early warning efforts.
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