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.
What we offer-
Two-year contract
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Protected time for independent research in the area of the research group
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Opportunities for paid optional additional teaching.
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Some funding for conferences, additional training and/or research.
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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:
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a letter of interest
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CV
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one writing sample
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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
