Department of Political Science
PhD position in the research group of Prof. Daniel Kübler 60 %
Start of employment 01.02.2026, temporaryThe Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a PhD position in the research group of Prof. Daniel Kübler, who holds the chair of Democracy and Public Governance and serves as the director of UZH's Centre for Democracy Studies.
The Department of Political Science offers excellent support in a vibrant research community and is committed to advancing young scholars' careers.
Your responsibilities
The PhD student will pursue his or her own research in the broad field of democracy studies and/or public governance, with a particular focus on Switzerland and its direct democratic polity.
The PhD student will also be enrolled in the Department's Doctoral Programme in Democracy Studies, which offers advanced methodological and substantive training.
She or he will contribute to teaching in the field of Swiss politics, empirical research on democracy, or public governance (2 hours per week), advising of BA and MA students, and some administrative tasks. Collaboration in research projects running in the research group, as well as in the Centre for Democracy Studies is encouraged.
The PhD student will also be enrolled in the Department's Doctoral Programme in Democracy Studies, which offers advanced methodological and substantive training.
She or he will contribute to teaching in the field of Swiss politics, empirical research on democracy, or public governance (2 hours per week), advising of BA and MA students, and some administrative tasks. Collaboration in research projects running in the research group, as well as in the Centre for Democracy Studies is encouraged.
Your profile
The successful candidate should hold an MA/MSc in Political Science or Public Administration, have a solid training in methods, and be able to work in both English and German (knowledge of French is an asset). She or he should have a strong interest in academic research and motivation to pursue an academic career, and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
Information on your application
What we offerThe PhD student will have the possibility to develop his or her own research agenda, in a leading department with highly motivated and engaged members. Conditional on approval of the PhD proposal by the end of the first year, funding is guaranteed for four years total. Salary is according to cantonal guidelines and approximately 57'927 CHF per year (gross salary, 0.6 FTE).
Place of work
Zurich – Oerlikon
Start of employment
Start date of the employment : 01.02.2026
Application deadline: 31.08.2025
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/research paper)
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Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Dr. Daniel Kübler
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Questions about the application procedure
Susanne Arlt Personalverantwortliche 044 634 39 19
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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
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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