Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies, Chair of Social Science Japan Studies

PhD candidate / research and teaching fellow (wissenschaftliche Assistenz) Japanese Studies 60 %

Start of employment 1 January 2027 or upon agreement

The Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies at the University of Zurich (UZH) is the largest center for research and teaching on Asia in Switzerland. The Chair of Social Science Japan Studies, led by Prof. David Chiavacci, invites applications for the position of a PhD candidate / research and teaching associate. In addition to other research activities, the Chair currently hosts two major third-party funded research projects:

  • Agenda Setting and Framing of Immigration in Japan, 1975–2025 (https://data.snf.ch/grants/grant/10004726)
  • The Japan Transnational Education and Career Panel Study (JTEPS): International Student Mobility and Its Consequences (https://data.snf.ch/grants/grant/10002843)

Your responsibilities

The position is designed to enable the successful candidate to develop her/his own research project (PhD project). Responsibilities include independent teaching at the Bachelor's and Master's levels (2 hours per semester), participation in administrative duties at the Chair, and the opportunity to contribute to the Chair's ongoing research projects.

Your profile

Applicants are expected to have:
  • Excellent MA in Japanese Studies or a social science discipline with a focus on Japan.
  • Broad expertise on contemporary and modern Japan.
  • Solid training in social science theories and methodologies.
  • Very good command of Japanese and English.
  • Good command of German is not a requirement, but an advantage.

We offer:
  • A PhD / research and teaching associate position (60%), initially appointed for three years, with the possibility of extension up to a total of six years pending good performance.
  • A collegial, cooperative, and intellectually stimulating working environment with good infrastructure within a small and highly motivated team.
  • Opportunities to develop and strengthen one's research profile and teaching portfolio.
  • Opportunity to develop and carry out your own PhD research project.
  • Opportunities for developing teaching skills and attractive funding possibilities for various academic activities (workshops, working groups, fieldwork, participation in conferences etc.).

Information on your application

Please upload your application as a single PDF file via the UZH job portal. Application Deadline is 31 July 2026. The application should include:
  • A motivation letter (including a brief research statement).
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Copies of academic diplomas.
  • A short PhD research proposal (max. 800 words excluding references).

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

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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Location

Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies, Chair of Social Science Japan Studies

Further information

Questions about the job

David Chiavacci Professor in Social Science of Japan
Contact Form

Contact question to: David Chiavacci

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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.

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
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