Department of Political Science
Doctoral (Ph.D.) / Assistant Position in Comparative Politics 60 %
Start of employment 01.02.2026, temporaryThe Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for 1 doctoral (Ph.D.) / assistant position (Assistenz) in the research group of the Chair of Comparative Politics held by Prof. Daniele Caramani.
The IPZ offers excellent research conditions and a stimulating academic environment. Through its collabora-tions, research centres and exchange programmes, it is widely internationally connected. The IPZ is committed to promote young scholars in their career advancement and provides strong methodological support.
Your responsibilities
The positions will be filled for 3 years and can be renewed for 1 year contingent on Ph.D. progress, research productivity, teaching quality and commitment to chair and departmental activities.
The tasks include:
The tasks include:
- Writing a Ph.D. dissertation based on the candidate's own research interests in the broad area of comparative politics.
- Teaching undergraduate seminars or introductory courses in English or German (app. 2 hours weekly in 2 semesters of 14 weeks), advising students, preparing and marking examinations, and occasional administrative tasks.
- Participation to the department's activities and to the doctoral programme.
- Participation to summer schools, scholarly conferences and scientific networks.
Your profile
The successful candidates will engage in research and teaching in the area of comparative politics. They are expected to pursue own research interests, participate to international conferences and produce outstanding scholarship with publications in top journals and presses. Candidates must possess encompassing theoretical knowledge of comparative politics, solid training in quantitative methods and statistical packages (Stata and R), international experience, the ability and motivation to work in team and conduct independent research, and the ability to work fluently in English and/or German.
Information on your application
What we offer- Integration in a leading department with highly motivated and engaged members.
- Possibility to independently develop a research agenda.
- Financial and academic support from the research group and department.
- Salary according to cantonal guidelines approx. 57'800 CHF per year (gross salary, 0.6 FTE).
Place of work
Zurich – Oerlikon
Start of employment
February 1, 2026
Applications by: October 31, 2025
Interviews: in the course of November, 2025
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for this position, please upload your application as one pdf-file, including motivation letter, CV, proof of academic performance and (if available) a writing sample (e.g., seminar / re-search paper).
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More
What we offer
Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Dr. Daniele Caramani 0041 44 634 4010
Contact Form
Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
Questions about the application procedure
Susanne Arlt Personalverantwortliche Institut für Politikwissenschaft 044 634 39 19
Contact Form
Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
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/en/explore/work.html
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/en/explore/work.html
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!
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