IKMZ - Department of Communication and Media Research

Postdoctoral position at the chair for Science Communication (Prof. Dr. Mike S. Schäfer) 80 %

Start of employment 01.10.2025, temporary

The University of Zurich is the largest research university in Switzerland. IKMZ has been recognized as one of the leading communication departments worldwide.

UZH and IKMZ are committed to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and equality across all aspects of academia. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups to ensure a vibrant and equitable academic community.

Your responsibilities

  • State-of-the-art research on science communication
  • Leading your own projects and collaborating in team projects
  • Publishing in leading academic journals; presenting at conferences; public outreach
  • Teaching one class per semester in IKMZ's BA/MA programs; supervising BA/MA theses
  • Some, but really not many, organizational or administrative tasks

Your profile

  • Doctoral degree in communication science or a related discipline
  • Strong record of/interest in research on science communication, e.g. on topics such as AI, climate change, or health
  • Interest in research on science communicators such as scientists, research institutions, or journalists, and/or on the effects of science communication
  • Methodological expertise and track record of conceptually guided empirical research
  • Experience with survey and/or experimental methods would be a plus
  • Proficiency in English; some knowledge of German would be helpful but is not mandatory

Information on your application

About the position:
  • 3-year postdoctoral position (80%, paid according to cantonal salary scheme)
  • Can potentially be extended for an additional 3 years
  • Workplace is Zurich

Please submit the following documents as one single PDF:
  • Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
  • CV including copies of degrees and relevant transcripts
  • List of scientific publications, full-texts of up to 3 sample publications, full text of PhD thesis

Deadline for applications is May 15, 2025. Interviews will take place in the 2nd half of June 2025.

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

Mike Schäfer Prof. Dr.
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Questions about the application procedure

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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