Department of Mathematical Modeling and Machine Learning

PhD Position in Financial and Insurance Mathematics 80 - 100 %

Start of employment 01.09.2026, temporary

The Chair of Quantitative Risk Analysis at the Department of Mathematical Modeling and Machine Learning is inviting applications for a PhD position in Financial and Insurance Mathematics.


The successful candidate will be associated with the Zurich Graduate School of Mathematics and will work on research topics at the intersection of stochastics, financial and insurance applications, and machine learning.

Your responsibilities

The doctoral thesis will focus on questions related to nonlinear pricing and model risk in finance and insurance. Possible research directions include the mathematical analysis of pricing and risk measurement under uncertainty, robust and nonlinear valuation methods, contagion models, and the use of machine learning techniques in financial and actuarial modeling.


We are looking for a highly motivated and talented candidate with a strong background mathematics, in particular probability theory and stochastic analysis, and mathematical finance. The candidate should be interested in developing rigorous mathematical methods while remaining open to applications in finance, insurance, and data-driven modeling.

The position is funded for 4 years, with an earliest start in September 2026.

Your profile

Applicants should have:
  • A Master's degree, or equivalent qualification, in stochastic analysis, mathematical finance, or a closely related field.
  • A solid background in probability theory, stochastic processes, stochastic analysis, or financial mathematics.
  • An interest in financial and insurance applications.
  • Openness to working at the interface of mathematics, finance, insurance, and machine learning.
  • Strong analytical skills and motivation for independent research.

Research environment

The candidate will join the Chair of Quantitative Risk Analysis and become part of a stimulating research environment within DM3L and the Zurich Graduate School of Mathematics. The position offers the opportunity to work on mathematically rigorous and practically relevant problems in financial and insurance mathematics.

Information on your application

Please submit your complete application via the link below, including:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Academic transcripts
  • a brief statement of research interests
  • Contact details of 2 potential references

The application deadline is 15 August 2026, with a planned starting date of 1 September 2026.


Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.

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


More
Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

More
Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

More
Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

More
Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

More
Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


More
International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

More
Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

More

Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Delia Coculescu Professor
Contact Form

Contact question to: Prof. Delia Coculescu

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.

Questions about the application procedure

Nicole Trolese HR Manager
Contact Form

Contact question to: Nicole Trolese

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

Please submit your complete application via the link below.

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