Institute of Evolutionary Medicine

Postdoctoral Researcher 100 %

Start of employment from 1 July 2025 or by agreement, temporary

The Anthropometrics & Historical Epidemiology Group is an interdisciplinary research group of epidemiologists, historians, and biostatisticians analysing modern and historical morbidity and mortality data from archival sources using advanced epidemiological and demographic methods. We add a historical perspective to modern health issues and causes of death in order to better understand and monitor ongoing developments at the population level.

Your responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research within the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)-funded project 'Socio-demographic inequalities in causes of death in Switzerland 1877-2024' (80%), and will support the team in statistical analyses of other projects (20%).
The main research areas of the SNSF project are:
  • Study the long-term mortality changes and shifts in causes of death in relation to socio-demographic inequalities over time
  • Quantify changes in life expectancy among socio-demographic groups over time
  • Identify the spatial patterns of specific causes of death
  • Identify changes in causes of death during or after major historical events (e.g., pandemics, wars, or the introduction of important social security systems)

Your profile

  • PhD in Demography, Epidemiology, Biostatistics or related fields
  • Strong quantitative background
  • Proficiency in R programming
  • Strong interest in historical demography

Information on your application

Please submit a single pdf file by 15.04.2025, including the following:
  • Curriculum vitae including a list of publications
  • Motivation letter, max 2 pages (what motivates you about this position, the work you have done, highlight your technical skills, and areas of expertise)
  • Contact information of 2 academic referees
  • PhD diploma
The successful candidate will be offered a 18-month contract (full-time position - 100%).

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

Dr. Katarina Matthes Principal Investigator
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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!
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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
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