Department of Geography
Assistant Professorship tenure track for Climate Research 100 %
Start of employment Autumn 2027 (negotiable), permanent employmentWe are seeking candidates at the intersection of climate research and geography. You have expertise in concepts and theories related to climate interactions with respect to present and future environments. You have demonstrable skills in the modelling and analysis of spatio-temporal variability of climate and associated uncertainties. You have experience in integrating climate change scenarios and model outputs in your work (e.g., for informing climate adaptation). Your research shows evidence of open and reproducible research practices, and you have an interest in communicating the results of your work to policymakers and the public. You have a developing track record in terms of research output, acquisition of third-party funding, and teaching and mentoring.
As a future assistant professor, you will strengthen the scientific impact and societal role of the Department of Geography (GIUZ). You will also contribute to teaching and its further development at both Bachelor and Master levels, in both Geography and Earth Systems Science, in particular introducing our students to the fundamentals of atmosphere and climate, and teaching on topics such as climate impacts, statistical data analysis or climate extremes. You will teach in English and German, and if you have not already mastered German you are prepared to do so in the future. You will supervise Master and PhD students in topics related to your field.
UZH sees researchers as modern leaders who conduct excellent research through their own research projects and the promotion of excellent junior researchers, who constructively work with university administration and who help to shape a future-oriented University with innovative research-based teaching. Situated in the open-minded and family-friendly city of Zurich, which combines the vibrant cultural scene of a modern European city with the convenient accessibility to its beautiful natural surroundings, UZH is well integrated in the city's community and research environment.
UZH provides generous research support, including dedicated funds for personnel and operating expenses, and competitive start-up packages. Additionally, the successful applicant is expected to acquire external research funding. Zurich's scientific environment encompasses a rich spectrum of diverse activities.
The employment conditions for this position follow UZH's legal regulations and include part-time options. UZH is an equal-opportunities employer, and the Faculty of Science, in particular, strives to increase the percentage of women and underrepresented groups in leading positions. Therefore, qualified female researchers are particularly encouraged to apply. Care-time interruptions are considered during the evaluation of applicants of all genders.
UZH provides generous research support, including dedicated funds for personnel and operating expenses, and competitive start-up packages. Additionally, the successful applicant is expected to acquire external research funding. Zurich's scientific environment encompasses a rich spectrum of diverse activities.
The employment conditions for this position follow UZH's legal regulations and include part-time options. UZH is an equal-opportunities employer, and the Faculty of Science, in particular, strives to increase the percentage of women and underrepresented groups in leading positions. Therefore, qualified female researchers are particularly encouraged to apply. Care-time interruptions are considered during the evaluation of applicants of all genders.
Information on your application
Applicants are kindly invited to submit their applications, which should include:- a cover letter (max. 1 page)
- a Curriculum Vitae with date of submission, including teaching and supervisory track record; outreach activities; a list of acquired competitive funding, including role and amount awarded to the candidate
- a description of their research outputs relevant for this application and their importance for the field (at most five outputs, max. 1 page in total)
- a research plan describing their mid-term scientific strategy and expected impact (max. 2 pages)
- a teaching reflection on their educational values, tools and methods, and their potential contribution to the curriculum development at UZH (max. 1 page)
- a description of their track record and/or planned measures towards diversity, equality, inclusion, and sustainability (max. 0.5 page)
- a list of publications and other research outputs, including dataset, code, etc.
- a copy of their PhD certificate
Please note that page limitations do not include references.
The evaluation processes at UZH and its Faculty of Science follow the DORA recommendations for assessing research quality and impact. Applicants are thus asked to refrain from referring to non-personal measures such as impact factors.
Please upload your application to www.mnf.uzh.ch/climate by 31 August 2026. The interviews will take place on 05 and 06 November 2026.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ross Purves (ross.purves@geo.uzh.ch).
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Working at UZH
The University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, Switzerland's largest university provides an inspiring working environment at the vanguard of research and education. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
The University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, Switzerland's largest university provides an inspiring working environment at the vanguard of research and education. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, Switzerland's largest university provides an inspiring working environment at the vanguard of research and education. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
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