Department of Geography / Geocomputation

Senior Teaching and Research Assistant (Oberassistenz) 100 %

Start of employment 01.09.2025

The Geocomputation Unit at the Department of Geography of the University of Zurich (UZH) invites applications for a Senior Teaching and Research Assistant (Oberassistenz) position. The appointment will initially be made for 3 years (starting 01 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter), with the possibility of 3-year extensions up to a total of 9 years. The position is a so-called qualification position, with protected research time and the possibility of writing a Habilitation.
We are looking for a motivated researcher with a proven ability to carry out and publish independent research in a field relevant to our core research strengths in geographic information science. Our research aims to develop theoretically grounded, societally relevant approaches, broadening access to geographic information and allowing decision makers to better account for diverse ways of understanding the world.

Your responsibilities

  • You will participate in, lead and publish research relevant to the unit's aims
  • You will deliver teaching in GIScience and Geography to Bachelors and Masters students, including lectures, practicals and field trips
  • You will take part in the supervision, mentoring and assessment of MSc and PhD candidates
  • You will contribute to research and coordination of the DIZH Structure: Public Data Lab: Measuring Societal Wellbeing under Changing Circumstances
  • You will prepare funding applications for personal and project funding
  • You will contribute administratively to the operational and strategic management of the unit

Your profile

  • You have completed a PhD in a relevant field
  • You have experience of peer-reviewed publication in international journals
  • You have excellent organisational and communication skills
  • You speak and write English fluently
  • You can demonstrate good programming and analytical skills
  • You have good interpersonal and team skills
  • You value diversity and inclusion in the workplace
  • You can understand and participate in discussions in German

Benefits
  • Protected time for your own research
  • Attractive pay according to the regulations of the University of Zurich – Senior Research and Teaching Assistants usually start positions in Pay category 19 and pay level 3 (c.f. regulations and pay scale as of 1.1.2025)
  • Position available as a full-time 100% appointment, with part-time appointment - Holiday entitlement of 25 days plus public holidays per year
  • Mentoring for the next stages of your career
  • UZH offers attractive working conditions and opportunities for further education
    We will provide a stimulating and supportive research environment, with opportunities for multi- and interdisciplinary collaborations, and funding for research visits, infrastructure and fieldwork. Zurich and its surroundings provide an excellent living environment, with a broad range of cultural activities and easy access to the countryside and mountains.

Information on your application

To apply, you should upload the following documents (as a single PDF) to
  • A motivation letter, explaining why you want to apply for this position, setting out a potential line of research you would pursue if appointed, and demonstrating how you fulfil the criteria listed above
  • A CV including a publication list and the contact details for three referees
  • Degree transcripts
  • An example of a significant research contribution you have made (e.g. to a scientific
    paper, a piece of software, a book) with a 300 word summary of why you consider this contribution to be significant, and an explanation of your contribution to this research.


The initial deadline for applications is 30th March 2025. Review of applications will commence thereafter and will continue until the position is filled.

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. Ross Purves
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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

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