Application Deadline: July 8th, 2026
LOCATION: Switzerland
The Department of Geography at the University of Zurich (GIUZ) invites applications for a fully funded doctoral position in Human Geography to contribute to the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project ‘Institutional conditions for racially and/or socio-economically minoritized students at highly selective secondary schools in Switzerland. The post is for a fixed term of four years, with an initial appointment of three years and a one-year extension. They welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented in academic positions.
ELIGIBILITY:
You hold a Master’s degree or are about to complete a Master’s degree in geography, sociology, educational studies, youth studies, social anthropology, social work, or a closely related field.
You have demonstrated substantial experience in qualitative research and a strong interest in questions on (in)equality and justice. Experience with participative methods is an advantage.
You enjoy fieldwork and are interested in the views of young people.
You are motivated to engage critically with questions of (in)equality, justice, and institutional discrimination.
You bring strong communication and teamwork skills.
You speak and write German and English fluently.
Your responsibilities:
In collaboration with the PI of the project, you will develop and carry out the project outlined above, conduct original fieldwork (qualitative interviews with headteachers and with racially and/or socio-economically minoritized students of Gymnasia in German-speaking Switzerland), data analysis (including participative data analysis workshops), and complete a doctoral dissertation (paper-based dissertation).
You will participate actively in project activities, including workshops and international conferences, and contribute to academic and practice-oriented publications emerging from the project.
You will contribute to teaching in the field of Human Geography and to services in the Geography Teacher Training unihuman geographyt (GTT) at GIUZ.
You will participate in the Zurich Graduate School in Geography & Earth System Science.
BENEFIT:
You will work in a stimulating and supportive research environment and be part of an SNSF research project.
You will receive regular mentoring and support in pursuing your academic career.
You are part of a structured doctoral program.
You will get paid according to the salary scale of the Swiss National Science Foundation.
You will get a personal workplace with technical equipment.
You will be able to profit from the lively, culturally diverse, and inspiring institute and campus environment, from the attractive working conditions, and from the manifold opportunities for further education at UZH. With around 30,000 students and 10,000 employees, UZH is the largest university in Switzerland.
You will be able to enjoy the excellent living environment of Zurich and its surroundings that offer a broad range of cultural activities and easy access to lakes, the countryside, and mountains.