The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral research position as part of the international Horizon Europe project WELFAIR. The successful candidate will join Work Package 8 ("Political Implications and Public Attitudes"), led by Thomas Kurer.

The position is available from September 1, 2026. A later start date (up to January 2027) can be arranged by mutual agreement. Candidates should have completed their PhD research by the start of the appointment, although the formal dissertation defense may take place after they have taken up the position. The position is research-focused and carries no teaching obligations.

Job Profile
The successful candidate will play a leading role in the implementation of Work Package 8 ("Political Implications and Public Attitudes") within the Horizon Europe project WELFAIR. The work package examines how citizens evaluate the consequences of technological change, demographic ageing and rising inequality, and how these perceptions shape support for welfare state reform and intergenerationally fair policies. information on the project can be found here.
The postdoctoral researcher will take the operational lead in the work package, coordinating its day-to-day activities, contributing to the conceptual development and implementation of cross-national survey experiments, leading data analysis and scientific publications and serving as the primary point of contact with international consortium partners. While the overall research agenda and project deliverables are defined by the Horizon Europe grant, the position offers substantial intellectual responsibility and opportunities to shape the theoretical, empirical and publication strategy of the work package in close collaboration with the principal investigator. In addition, the successful candidate will have protected time to pursue their own research agenda beyond the immediate scope of the project.

Your responsibilities

Take the operational lead in coordinating and implementing the deliverables of the UZH work package within the WELFAIR project, including interaction with international consortium partners.
Further develop the work package's conceptual and theoretical framework.
Lead the design, implementation and analysis of an original cross-national survey experiment.
Lead the preparation of two working papers on attribution, structural change, and public support for welfare state reform in collaboration with the PI.
Contribute to the research, organizational, and administrative activities of the project.

Your profile

PhD in political science or a related discipline (completed or close to completion).
Strong interest in public opinion, welfare state politics, and the political implications of structural change.
Ambition and ability to produce high-quality, high-impact research, both independently and as part of an international research team.
Proficiency in quantitative research methods; previous experience with survey experiments is a strong asset.
Excellent command of English; working knowledge of German is an asset.

Information on your application

What we offer

Two-year contract
Protected time for independent research in the area of the research group
Opportunities for paid optional additional teaching.
Some funding for conferences, additional training and/or research.
Excellent working conditions in a leading research-oriented and international department that provides a constructive and collaborative research environment.

Place of work
Zurich, Switzerland, UZH, Department of Political Science, Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zurich

Application
Application file should include:

a letter of interest
CV
one writing sample
contact details of 2 people willing to serve as references

Deadline for applications is August 9, 2026. We plan to hold interviews in week 34/35.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive research environment and strongly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups in academia.

Further information
information on the WELFAIR project and work package 8 specifically:Link

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

Learning and Development

Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
Free seasonal flu vaccinations
Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

Conditions of Employment

Policies of the UZH
Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Location

Institut für Politikwissenschaft

Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Susanne Arlt

Personalverantwortliche Institut für Politikwissenschaft

044 634 39 19

Questions about the application procedure

Susanne Arlt

Personalverantwortliche Institut für Politikwissenschaft

044 634 39 19

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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