Institute for Slavic and Eastern European Studies

Postdoctoral Researcher (12 months, with extension option) 60 - 80 %

Start of employment 01.07.2026, temporary

The newly founded Institute for Slavic and Eastern European Studies at the University of Zurich invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in contemporary history, with a focus on Eastern Europe. The position, affiliated with the Professorship for Modern Eastern European Studies, is initially offered for 12 months at 60–80% and may be extended for up to 4–5 years, contingent on securing external funding.
The successful candidate will pursue their own research and contribute to the development of a major research proposal in economic and social history. The proposed research project examines the dynamics of economic systems, including energy and infrastructure, in late-twentieth-century Eastern Europe.

The position offers excellent research conditions, opportunities for career development and longer-term academic progression (subject to funding), and active integration into an internationally connected, interdisciplinary research network.

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will:
  • Pursue independent research while contributing to the preparation of a major research proposal (ERC/SNSF level) in close cooperation with the Principal Investigator;
  • Support the development of the project's conceptual framework, including literature reviews and research design;
  • Take an active role in organizing and contributing to project meetings and workshops.

Your profile

Applicants should possess:
  • A completed PhD in economic history, history, political economy, or a related field;
  • Expertise or strong interest in Eastern European history, ideally including energy, infrastructure, or economic systems;
  • Interest in interdisciplinary research across history and political economy;
  • Excellent command of English (spoken and written);
  • Ability to conduct independent research and contribute to collaborative work.
Familiarity with archival research in Eastern Europe, relevant language skills (e.g., Russian or other Eastern European languages), and experience in historical data analysis are assets.

Information on your application

Deadline: 15 May 2026

Required documents (as a single PDF): letter of motivation, CV, list of publications, writing sample (two texts)

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

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


More
Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

More
Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

More
Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

More
Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

More
Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


More
International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

More
Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

More

Further information

Questions about the job

Jeronim Perović Professor for Modern Eastern European Studies
Contact Form

Contact question to: Jeronim Perović

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.

Questions about the application procedure

Sonja Ulrich General Manager
Contact Form

Contact question to: Sonja Ulrich

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
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.

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