IKMZ - Department of Communication and Media Research
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AT THE CHAIR FOR SCIENCE COMMUNICATION (PROF. DR. MIKE S. SCHÄFER) 80 %
Start of employment (approx.) in September 2026We are looking for an excellent scholar in communication science or a closely related discipline who combines a strong empirical social-science profile with an interest in science communication and the public communication of science-related topics such as AI, climate change, health, or emerging technologies. The Chair for Science Communication studies how science- and technology-related issues are publicly communicated, including the role of digital platforms and AI, political actors, and other stakeholders.
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
Your responsibilities
- Conduct excellent research in science communication and public communication of science-related topics
- Develop your own research agenda and contribute to team research projects
- Publish in leading academic journals; present research at international conferences
- Teach one class per semester in IKMZ's BA/MA programs; supervise BA/MA theses
- Take on a limited amount of organizational and administrative responsibilities
Your profile
- Doctoral degree in communication science or a closely related discipline
- Excellent track record of conceptually guided rigorous empirical research – applicants do not need prior experience in science communication research, but should be clearly interested in contributing to this field
- Strong methodological expertise (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, experimental, computational)
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an ambitious research environment
- Experience in mentoring, project coordination, or other forms of academic leadership would be an asset
- Proficiency in English; knowledge of German would be helpful
Information on your application
Please send the following documents using the "Apply now" button below until April 15, 2026.- 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 April 15, 2026. The position starts (approx.) in September 2026
If you have questions about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Mike S. Schäfer.
For questions about the application process, please contact HR-Team IKMZ.
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Questions about the job
Mike S. Schäfer, Prof. Dr. Professor of Science Communication
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HR-Team IKMZ
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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/en/explore/work.html
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/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!
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