IKMZ - Department of Communication and Media Research

Doctoral Position in Communication, Media Psychology, and Methods 60 %

Start of employment April 1, 2025 or by agreement, temporary

The division "Media Psychology and Methods" at the IKMZ (Institute of Communication and Media Research) is looking for a new Ph.D. student ("Assistent"). The position will be for three years, with the option to prolong for another 12 months.

The division's research interests include media effects, social media research, well-being, privacy, interactions with AI, and open science. We strive to produce insightful, robust, and transparent research findings, with a focus on advanced quantitative methods. In teaching, we focus on methodological-statistical training and applications of media effects.

The position offers you a great background for high quality research. We provide much freedom to develop your own research interest within the topics of the division. You can work in an inspiring and collegiate atmosphere. The IKMZ has an excellent track record in career development: With more than 80 employees, it is one of the largest centers for communication research with a strong international standing.

Your responsibilities

  • Work on your (cumulative) Ph.D. thesis in the field of communication, media psychology and media effects research. In doing so, conduct research using methods such as online questionnaires, longitudinal designs, experimental designs, causal modeling, content analysis, or experience sampling.
  • Take part in doctoral training programmes offered by UZH and IKMZ.
  • Present findings at conferences and publish in international academic journals.
  • Successfully complete your PhD within the appointment period.
  • Teach courses in the area of Methods, Statistitics, and Media Effects at both BA and MA levels.
  • Partake in public outreach and third mission activities.
  • Participate in organisational or administrative tasks as required.

Your profile

  • Education: Master's degree in Communication Science, Psychology, Data Science, or a closely related field. Applications before completion of degree are possible.
  • Research Skills: Expertise in quantitative research methods; familiarity with or interest in media effects research.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in or openness to learn R and advanced statistics.
  • Language Skills: Proficiency in English is mandatory; basic knowledge of German and additional language skills are desirable.

Information on your application

The employment is in accordance with the guidelines of the University of Zurich at 60% (salary class 17 / level 3). An increase in the employment percentage through additional teaching assignments or research projects is possible within the available resources. The employment as a doctoral candidate at UZH is generally limited to a maximum of six years.

Please submit the following application documents as one single PDF file:
  • Letter of motivation, including a potential idea for your Ph.D. thesis (max. 2 pages).
  • Your CV (including a list of scientific publications and conference presentations, if applicable).
  • MA thesis or equivalent, research publications if already applicable.
  • Copies of degrees and relevant transcripts.

The deadline for applications is March 16 2025. Applications arriving later will also be considered in case no candidate has been selected until then.

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

Pinar Tidin-Alpan Administration Assistant / HR Officer +41 44 635 21 16
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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

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