Department of Sociology

2-3 PhD candidates in the fields of economics and society 60 - 80 %

Start of employment by agreement, temporary

The Department of Sociology at the University of Zurich looks back on more than 50 years of active research and teaching. It is one of the leading empirically oriented institutes in Switzerland and Europe. The basic understanding is based on theory-driven empirical social research with a strong focus on quantitative methods.

Your responsibilities

Our group does theoretically motivated research on relevant issues in the fields of economics and society, often on the basis of large population data collected over several decades or sometimes centuries. Data is combined from various sources, such as historical primary sources, surveys or ethnographics.

As part of our group, you will conduct research in one of our subject areas that best match your and our interests and your profile. Here is a small but not exhaustive list of our current research questions:
(1) We examine the rise of top salaries and internationalized talent against the backdrop of increasing perceived social inequality, the failure of meritocracy and globalization.
(2) We explore the consequences of the emancipation of women and the rise of affluent societies for labor and partnership markets as well as fertility rates. Here we particulary focus on educational elites in societies and their role in this change.
(3) We investigate the effects of religious and, more recently, spiritual markets on the functioning of capitalist societies and organizations.
(4) We investigate the consequences of social or technological disruptions, such as globalization or digitalization, on organizational fields and societies.
For more information, we recommend taking a look at the homepage of Prof. Dr. Katja Rost.

In addition to your research activities, we expect you to assist with teaching and minor administrative tasks, to actively present your research at conferences and seminars and to integrate yourself into the Department of Sociology.

Your profile

  • Master's degree (or close to completion) in Sociology, Economics, Computational Social Science or related fields
  • Knowledge of basic sociological and economic theories
  • Knowledge of how to handle and collect large amounts of data
  • Experience in using statistical software such as R, Python, or Stata
  • Excellent German and English language skills, both written and spoken

Information on your application

We offer:
  • A stimulating, dynamic and supportive research environment
  • A large degree of leeway for creativity, planning, and development of ideas and projects
  • Opportunity for qualification in the field of theoretically grounded data science
  • The possibility to work with a certain degree of flexibility (in terms of time and place)
  • The position is initially limited to three to four years, with the possibility of extension upon successful funding acquisition

The starting date is flexible. Please submit your application in only one pdf file. There is no application deadline; however, positions will be filled as soon as suitable applications are received.

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More

What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


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Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

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Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


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International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Katja Rost Chair holder
Contact Form

Contact question to: Prof. Dr. Katja Rost

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Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
UZH