English Department
PhD Assistantship in English Literature 60 %
Start of employment is 1 February 2027, temporaryThe English Department of the University of Zurich invites applications for a PhD Assistant to start on 1 February 2027 at the Chair for English Literature (Prof. Dr. Barbara Straumann). This postgraduate position is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension for up to three years. The position is open to candidates with a completed MA who are aiming for a PhD in English Literature. We offer an attractive, collaborative work environment with good infrastructure in an international, stimulating environment in central Zurich with full access to library services and IT facilities. You will be allocated a workspace in the department; the university's regulations allow staff to work from home for up to 40% of their weekly employment time.
Your responsibilities
Individual work on a PhD project and related research activities such as conference papers, publications and applications for external funding; independent teaching (two hours per week at BA level) as well as support in research projects and administrative tasks at the Chair.
Your profile
We are looking for a member of staff with an outstanding MA degree in the field of English Literature and promising ideas for a PhD project that intersects with (some of) the Chair's main research areas, i.e. English Literature since 1800, especially the long nineteenth century and its afterlife, gender studies, economic criticism, intermediality and film. You will be well versed in literary history and critical theory, have didactic skills and enjoy working in a team. You will be proficient in verbal, written and interpersonal communication in English and have a competence in German or are eager to acquire a working knowledge of German within the first two years.
Information on your application
Please submit your application in a single PDF document that includes a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, degree certificates, the names and addresses of at least two references, a 3-4 page description of a possible PhD project and a writing sample (ideally a chapter from your MA thesis) by 18 September 2026.What we offer
Work-Life Balance
Learning and Development
Food
Healthcare
Discounts
Conditions of Employment
International Services
Campuses
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
Learning and Development
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
What we offer
Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Dr. Barbara Straumann
Contact Form
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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/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch
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
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!
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