Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies, Department of Japanese Studies
Postdoctoral Position Japanese Studies 60 %
Start of employment 1 September 2026 or upon agreementThe Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies at the University of Zurich (UZH) is the largest center for research and teaching on Asia in Switzerland. The Chair in Social Science of Japan, led by Prof. David Chiavacci, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Position. In addition to other research activities, the Chair currently hosts two major third-party funded research projects:
Your responsibilities
The position is designed to enable postdoctoral scholars to strengthen and further develop their independent research profile with a view to pursuing an academic career. Responsibilities include independent teaching at the Bachelor's and Master's levels (2 hours per semester), participation in administrative duties at the Chair, and the opportunity to contribute to the Chair's ongoing research projects.
Your profile
Applicants are expected to have:
We offer:
- A PhD in Japanese Studies or a social science discipline with a focus on Japan
- Broad expertise on contemporary and modern Japan
- Solid training in social science theories and methodologies
- Very good command of Japanese and English
We offer:
- A Postdoc position (60%), initially appointed for three years, with the possibility of extension
- A collegial, cooperative, and intellectually stimulating working environment with good infrastructure within a small and highly motivated team
- Opportunities to strengthen and further develop one's research profile and teaching portfolio
- Support in the acquisition of third-party research funding
- Funding opportunities for fieldwork in Japan
Information on your application
Please upload your application as a single PDF file via the UZH job portal. The application should include:- A motivation letter (including a brief research statement)
- Curriculum vitae
- Copies of academic diplomas
- Two writing samples (e.g., journal articles and/or book chapters)
Application deadline: 8 March 2026
What we offer
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Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Dr. David Chiavacci Professor in Social Science of Japan
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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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