Department of Geography
Postdoc for DigiLand 100 %
Start of employment January 2026 or by agreementThe Geocomputation Unit at the Department of Geography of the University of Zurich (UZH) invites applications for a postdoc position as a part of our Swiss National Science Foundation funded project Digiland: a digital approach to changing landscape value through multiscalar geographic text analysis. The appointment will be made for 3 years (starting 01 January 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter).
We are looking for a motivated researcher with proven experience in the analysis of landscape using quantitative methods. You will be interested in the use of text analysis to explore landscape semantics and may already have experience in such methods. In Digiland we will investigate how the diverse ways in which people value landscapes can be identified and interpreted, and how these values vary across different spaces, time, language, and stakeholders. The project team will include two PhD candidates and a postdoctoral researcher who will have the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively.
Your responsibilities
- You will participate in, lead and publish research relevant to the unit's aims
- You will take part in the supervision, mentoring and assessment of MSc and potentially PhD candidates
- You will prepare funding applications for personal and project funding
- You will make a contribution to teaching offered by the unit
Your profile
- You have completed, or will soon complete, a PhD in a relevant field
- You have published your research in peer-reviewed international journals and/ or conferences
- You can demonstrate good programming and/or analytical skills. Knowledge and experience with text analysis will be a plus
- You speak and write English fluently, and additional language skills – in particular in Swiss national languages – would be advantageous
- You have excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
- You value diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Benefits
- Protected time for your own research
- Mentoring for the next stages of your career
- Attractive pay according to the regulations of the University of Zurich as a Postdoctoral Researcher
- Position available as a full-time 100% appointment. Holiday entitlement of 25 days plus public holidays per year
- UZH offers attractive working conditions and opportunities for further education. We will provide a stimulating and supportive research environment, with opportunities for multi- and interdisciplinary collaborations, and funding for research visits, infrastructure and fieldwork. Zurich and its surroundings provide an excellent living environment, with a broad range of cultural activities and easy access to the countryside and mountains.
Information on your application
To apply, you should upload the following documents to our application portal:- A motivation letter, explaining why you want to apply for this position, setting out a potential line of research you would pursue if appointed, and demonstrating how you can fulfil the criteria listed above
- A CV including a publication list and contact details for three referees
- Degree transcripts (BSc, MSc, PhD)
- A copy of your PhD dissertation
- An example of a significant research contribution you have made (e.g. to a scientific paper, a piece of software, a book) together with a 300-word summary of why you consider this contribution to be significant, and an explanation of your contribution to the broader communities of science and society
For any inquiries, please contact Prof. Dr. Ross Purves.
The initial deadline for applications is 28th November 2025. Review of applications will commence thereafter and will continue until the position is filled.
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Prof. Dr. Ross Purves
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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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