2 PhD positions within the Horizons project SOCIAL (Sociology of Authoritarian Law: Insights from Central Asia) 100 %
Start of employment 01.08.2026, temporaryWe are seeking motivated candidates for two full-time PhD positions within the SOCIAL Doctoral Network, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under Horizon Europe in the tracks Rural Governance in Central Asia (DC 16) and Governance in Mongolia (DC 17).
The SOCIAL Consortium consists of 14 leading universities across Europe & Canada training 17 doctoral candidates (DC) in the sociology of authoritarian law, with a regional focus on Central Asia. Its three core goals are:
1. Empirical & theoretical innovation on law–society–governance dynamics under authoritarian regimes.
2. Sustainable interdisciplinary doctoral training across disciplines and regions.
3. Policy outreach, converting research into actionable intelligence via workshops, publications, and policy briefs.
DC 16 will explore local governance practices and democratization from a bottom-up perspective in Qazaqstan. They will use ethnographic fieldwork to investigate how villagers engage with and resist formal political structures.
DC17 will investigate local democratic practices in Mongolia, focusing on evolving governance models in rural areas. It will study civic participation, traditional authority, and institutional adaptation.
Doctoral candidates will benefit from joint supervision, inter-sectoral secondments, strong transferable skills development, and a bridge between academic research and policy practice. Fieldwork and secondments constitute integral components of the SOCIAL Doctoral Programme.
Your responsibilities
All PhD candidates admitted to the programme are required to conduct extensive fieldwork in Central Asia and undertake two secondments abroad, one academic and one non-academic of between two and six months duration. You will participate in training events, workshops, and conferences organized by the SOCIAL Doctoral Network, and collaborate with international supervisors and peers. In addition, you are expected to contribute to departmental activities. You should have strong motivation and ability to work independently under pressure as well as good collaboration and communication skills.
For further information on eligibility criteria and on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks in general, please refer to: Doctoral Networks - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.
What we offer
A dynamic, innovative and challenging research and teaching environment, an excellent opportunity for further qualifications, and a motivated and team-minded faculty interested in academic exchange.
Competitive salary plus financial support for fieldwork periods, publications and academic conferences.
PhD students at ISEK have also the opportunity to join the „Swiss Graduate Program in Anthropology“.
Your profile
Information on your application
Deadline for application: 31. January 2026Start of employment: 1. August 2026
Duration: 36 months of full-time employment
We are looking forward to your application. Please enclose the following documents:
- Cover letter in English (max 1,000 words), including a brief presentation of yourself and your qualifications, as well as a short description of why you are interested in the doctoral programme
- Curriculum Vitae
- M.A. thesis as a writing example (plus any other material you would like to share)
- Copies of your degrees
- Address of two persons who can be contacted for a letter of recommendation.
- A research plan of up to 3000 words excluding references. The research plan must contain an overall purpose, questions that the project intends to answer, an account of the theoretical framework and the methodological approach.
- A statement certifying that the applicant has not resided or carried out their main activity (i.e. work or studies) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit a signed Mobility Declaration covering the last 36 months, together with supporting documents (e.g., residence registration/tax certificate, employment or study attestations).
Applicants will be assessed based on the above criteria, and top-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview.
Zürich University actively promotes equal opportunities in order to offer a diverse workplace and a university characterised by an open and inclusive approach.
What we offer
What we offer
Further information
Questions about the job
Peter Finke chair holder 0041 (0)44 635 22 33Questions about the application procedure
Miriam Wohlgemuth administrative assistant 0041 (0)44 635 22 12The 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!
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