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.
About the project
Racially and/or socio-economically minoritized students are underrepresented at state-funded, academically highly selective secondary schools in Switzerland, as in many Western societies, due to a reproduction of social inequality through the education systems. Evidence from the little international research conducted thus far indicates that minoritized students attending such schools are subject to institutional discrimination, including racism and classism. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of institutional racism, classism, and their intersection and of practices for preventing and combating racism and classism at Gymnasia in German-speaking Switzerland from a post-structuralist processual perspective (Ahmed, 2012).
This aim encompasses various objectives, such as: (1) uncover the logic behind the reproduction of classism, racism, their intersection, and resistance to these phenomena at Gymnasia; (2) identify successful practices that are already being implemented in Gymnasia to deal with racism and classism; (3) understand the effects of institutional discrimination on minoritized students and how they tackle it; (4) share their experiences with headteachers of Gymnasia to foster a school environment that is free from racism and classism.
The project is led by Dr. Sara Landolt (principal investigator).
general information about teaching and research activities of the Department of Geography is available here. on the research group Geographies of Young People and Education can be found here.
For inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Sara Landolt.
To apply, please upload the following documents (as a single PDF file) in English with the button "Apply now" below:
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A motivation letter, explaining why you are applying for this PhD position, and how you fulfil the criteria listed above.
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Your Curriculum Vitae.
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The contact details for two referees.
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The transcripts of your academic degrees (bachelor, master, or equivalent).
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A sample of your writing that provides insight into your previous academic work (e.g., your MSc thesis)
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An essay of 400 to 500 words in English, in which you outline your interest in the research project. In particular, please explain (a) why you are interested in researching classism and/or racism in education and how you intend to approach these issues conceptually, or (b) why you are interested in doing research with young people and what methodological challenges this may entail.
The initial deadline for applications is July 8th, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by mid-July. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
UZH is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented in academic positions.
