Department of Political Science
Post-Doctoral Research Position in the Research Group of Professor Thomas Widmer 80 %
Start of employment 01.02.2026The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in the research group of Professor Thomas Widmer, who leads the research area 'Policy Analysis & Evaluation'.
The 'Policy Analysis & Evaluation' research area focuses on the analysis of public policies, primarily in Switzerland. The staff of the research unit carry out research and evaluation projects in a wide range of policy domains as part of research funding initiatives and on behalf of public authorities. Particular areas of focus include the analysis of policy-making processes, studies on changes in institutional policies, and conceptual and methodological questions relating to the evaluation of government measures.
Your responsibilities
- Engage in research and evaluation related to the research priorities of the group.
- Conduct and publish high-quality research and evaluation.
- Collaborate with other members of the research area and the Department.
- Develop your own research agenda, a strong academic network and engage in acquiring project funding.
- Supervision of MA theses in your own field of research by arrangement
- Provide support for research, organizational, and administrative tasks.
Your profile
- PhD in political science or public administration (completed or close to completion).
- Ambition and ability to produce high-quality and high-impact research in the area of the research group.
- Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methods skills with knowledge of relevant software.
- Ability and willingness to work in a team and also to conduct independent research.
- Motivation to pursue an academic career.
- Excellent command of English and German, knowledge of French and/or Italian is a plus.
Information on your application
What we offer- Starting date: 1 February 2026, or later upon agreement
- Duration of employment: 2 years with renewal for 1 year contingent on research productivity and participation in departmental activities
- Salary according to UZH/cantonal guidelines, approximately CHF 82'000 per year (0.8 FTE)
- Protected time for independent research
- Opportunities for optional teaching (paid additionally and depending on departmental teaching needs)
- Funding for conferences, additional training, and research
- A highly motivated, engaged and supportive team
- Support for career development and planning, targeted to early-career researchers
- Excellent working conditions in a leading research-oriented and international department that provides a constructive and collaborative research environment
Place of work
Zurich, Switzerland
UZH, Department of Political Science, Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zurich
How to apply
Application files should include: a letter of interest, CV including a list of publications, diplomas, a writing sample, the contact details of 2-3 people willing to serve as references.
Please upload your application electronically as one pdf-file to the IPZ online form.
Deadline for applications is 24 November 2025. We plan to hold interviews in early December 2025 (weeks 49 and 50).
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Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Dr. Thomas Widmer Professor
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Questions about the application procedure
Susanne Arlt Persoalverantwortliche 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 Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in the research group of Professor Thomas Widmer, who leads the research area 'Policy Analysis & Evaluation'.
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 Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in the research group of Professor Thomas Widmer, who leads the research area 'Policy Analysis & Evaluation'.
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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