One Health Institute

Research Assistant for Literature Review on Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals and Food Products 80 %

Start of employment May or upon agreement, temporary

The Epidemiology and Geography Group at the One Health Institute, University of Zurich, is seeking a Research Assistant (RA) interested in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals and food products. This is a 12-month, desk-based position with no laboratory work.


The group focuses on assembling large spatial databases and developing methods to map infectious diseases in animals and humans. Our primary interest lies in mapping AMR in animals raised for food in low- and middle-income countries, with the aim of informing policymakers and reducing the global burden of AMR. The RA will work under the mentorship of Prof. Thomas Van Boeckel, one of the three founding professors of the One Health Institute.

Your responsibilities

You will contribute to a research project funded by the Digitalization Initiative of the Zurich Higher Education Institutions (DIZH), in collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. The project uses text mining tools to automate data extraction from scientific publications reporting point prevalence surveys on AMR (see resistancebank.org). These data will support the creation of geographic AMR prevalence maps across low- and middle-income countries. The outputs aim to inform the activities and patients of the University of Zurich's Travel Clinic.


Specific tasks include:
  • Conducting systematic literature reviews
  • Extracting and annotating data from point prevalence surveys on AMR
  • Supporting the development and training of text and image mining tools

Your profile

We seek an enthusiastic and detail-oriented candidate with a strong interest in evidence generation for policy. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in microbiology, veterinary sciences, pharmacy, food science, or a related field, and demonstrate excellent English communication skills (written and oral).


Essential Skills and Experience
  • Experience conducting systematic reviews, ideally following PRISMA guidelines
  • Understanding of microbiology techniques, especially antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and its interpretation (e.g., CLSI or EUCAST standards)
  • Experience with the R programming language
  • Proficiency in PDF editing
  • Familiarity with reference management tools (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley)


Desirable (but not required)
  • Ability to read one or more of the following languages: Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, or French
  • Experience developing Shiny apps (e.g., for resistancebank.org)

Information on your application

We will begin reviewing applications on April 25, 2025, and seek to fill the position between May 1st and July 1st, 2025 (flexible start date).


UZH offers excellent opportunities and strong support for career development. Salaries are internationally competitive. The initial contract is for 12 months with the possibility of a 3-month extension.
We value diversity and encourage applications from individuals with different educational, geographic, and cultural backgrounds.


We look forward to receiving one pdf document containing a 1-page cover letter, CV and relevant diplomas. We are eager to hear about your past research experience, career goals, and motivation to join the project.

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. Thomas Van Boeckel Associate Professor One Health with Focus in Epidemiology
Contact Form

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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
UZH