Institut für Politikwissenschaft

Senior Lecturer “Digital Public Governance” (non-professorial) 100 %

Start of employment 01.09.2025, permanent employment

The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a Senior Lecturer position in “Digital Public Governance”, starting September 1, 2025, or later by agreement. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching and research focusing on the digitalization of the public sector. We are looking specifically for candidates with a strong qualitative background who are interested in the changing state-citizen relationship and the structures and processes of digital administrations. This is primarily a teaching position with about 25% of the time reserved for research.

Your responsibilities

The senior lecturer will be primarily responsible for offering a teaching portfolio in digital public governance. The teaching load is 8 hours per week during the teaching periods (2x14 weeks per year) plus supervision of BA and MA thesis. The successful candidate should offer a broad portfolio of substantive and methodological courses (including qualitative and quantitative methods) and seminars at all levels. The position is expected to teach interdisciplinary and interdepartmental courses for students from across the social and behavioral sciences, including but not limited to political science, philosophy, psychology, communication and media research, or sociology. We also expect the development of an independent, international research agenda in digital public governance. In addition, contributions to usual departmental service obligations (committees, hiring etc.) are expected. This is an independent, non-professorial teaching and research position not attached to a specific chair.

Your profile

Applicants should hold a PhD degree in political science, public administration, or closely related fields at the time of application and have a strong record of academic achievements in the relevant areas. We are looking specifically for individuals with a strong qualitative empirical background in teaching and research. Successful candidates are expected to be able to teach courses covering a diverse range of topics related to the digitalization of public administrations and behavioral aspects of citizen-state interactions across disciplinary boundaries, including courses on normative and ethical aspects. And they should be comfortable offering methodologically oriented courses on state-of-the-art qualitative and quantitative approaches. Teaching may be carried out in English, but proficient knowledge of German is expected latest after two years. The University of Zurich aims to increase the proportion of women and diversity in research and teaching, and thus explicitly invites applications from suitably qualified individuals.

Information on your application

The University of Zurich offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment with a strong international focus, as well as generous support for research and teaching activities. The Department of Political Science (IPZ) is a leading political science department in Europe with a dynamic research environment and a collegial working culture. The position is endowed with an annual research budget of CHF 3,000. In addition, the holder of the position is eligible to apply for Swiss National Science Foundation funding, as well as many other grant programs in Switzerland and abroad. The salary is approximately CHF 115,000 per year. The position is permanent including a standard three-month probation period.

Start of employment
The start date of the position is September 1, 2025, or later by agreement. Closing date for applications is May 15, 2025.

How to apply
If you are interested in applying for this position, please upload your application, including motivation letter, CV, publication list, a teaching and a research statement, teaching evaluations and the names of 2-3 academic reference persons through the application form of the department.

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. Karsten Donnay Assistant Professor
Contact Form

Contact question to: Prof. Dr. Karsten Donnay

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Questions about the application procedure

Susanne Arlt Personalverantwortliche Institut für Politikwissenschaft 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

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