Department of Political Science

Postdoc Position in the Research Group of Lucas Leemann 80 %

Start of employment 01.09.2025, temporary

The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a Postdoc position in the research group of Lucas Leemann. We offer excellent research support in a vibrant research community and are committed to advancing young scholars' careers. The department aims to increase the diversity of its members and thus explicitly invites applications from women and other traditionally underrepresented groups.

Your responsibilities

We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher with research experience and/or interest in survey statistics and political participation. The future post holder will work on modeling survey data for small spatial areas (neighborhoods). Successful applicants will have a substantive interest in political participation and have experience with more advanced statistical modeling. Ideally, candidates have prior experience with more simple correction approaches such as raking and post-stratification but also with more advanced techniques such as multilevel regression with post-stratification (MrP).
This position is funded through a project grant and there is no teaching obligation, but teaching a course may be possible if desired by the future postholder.

Your profile

  • A PhD in a social science discipline (e.g., political science, economics, sociology)
  • Research interest in political participation and data science
  • A strong interest in academic research, ideally proven through internationally visible publications, third-party funding, or related research activities.
  • Dedication, ability to work in a team, and ability to work independently.
  • Strong command of English.
Essential skills
  • Experience with small-area estimation or non-representative data (e.g., using MRP models).
  • Strong methodological skills and willingness to keep learning how to use new tools.
  • Experience with machine learning and/or data engineering.
Desired skills
  • Experience with geo-spatial data.
  • Experience in dealing with missing data and strategies to overcome this problem.

What we offer
  • Integration in a leading department of political science with highly motivated and engaged members.
  • Possibility to co-author within the research group and beyond.
  • Possibility to independently develop a research agenda.
  • Financial and academic support from the research group and department.
  • The appointment is for three years.
  • Salary is according to cantonal guidelines and approximately 81'500 CHF per year (gross salary).

Information on your application

Start of employment: September 1, 2025 (or by arrangement)
Closing date for applications: April 15, 2025

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More

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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Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Lucas Leemann Associate Professor, Comparative Politics & Empirical Democracy Research
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Contact question to: Prof. Dr. Lucas Leemann

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Questions about the application procedure

Susanne Arlt Personalverantwortliche 044 634 39 19
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Contact question to: Susanne Arlt

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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/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html

The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a Postdoc position in the research group of Lucas Leemann.

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