The Department of Astrophysics at the University of Zurich seeks to attract future Principal Investigators of SNSF Starting Grants. Successful candidates will acquire the status of Assistant Professor and will be integrated into the Faculty of Science at the University of Zurich. The University of Zurich has a world-class scientific computing infrastructure that includes dedicated access to the tier-0 facilities of the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre in Lugano and a GPU high-performance cluster for large-scale machine learning experiments. We offer a diverse, inclusive, and international environment. The department members are heavily involved, with leading roles, in large national and international projects (e.g., NCCR PlanetS, Ariel, DESI, Einstein Telescope, Euclid, JUICE, LISA Consortium, MWA, Plato, SKA) as well as ongoing ALMA and JWST observational programs.

Your responsibilities

Candidates are expected to submit a concrete project idea (maximum three pages). Above all, applicants should bring an inspiring and ambitious research vision. In addition to their research contributions, we expect successful candidates to play a pivotal role in teaching the department bachelor/master programs, cultivating and leading an independent science group, fostering collaboration (including with students and postdocs at the department), and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Your profile

The department will only consider candidates who match the eligibility criteria of the SNSF Starting Grants funding scheme. Applicants have a PhD degree, or a medical degree, or a qualification that is equivalent to a PhD. In addition, they must fulfil three criteria: (1) Eligibility Window, (2) Career Stage, and (3) Swiss-link.

The SNSF is organising an online information event for researchers interested in this call on 19 February from 10 to 11:30 a.m. (Swiss local time).
Registration for the online event on 19 Februar 2026

We are inviting applications in the general fields of Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Astrobiology, Galaxy Formation, Space Exploration, and Cosmology. We particularly encourage applications from researchers specializing in planetary, exoplanet, and space sciences from a theoretical, numerical, or observational perspective. This includes, but is not limited to, planetary atmospheres and exoplanetary characterization, planetary evolution, planetary magnetic fields and star-planet interaction, proto-stellar and protoplanetary disks, modelling of matter at the high pressures of planetary interiors, remote sensing of solar system planets, small bodies, searches for bio-signatures in the atmospheres of exoplanets, and space exploration of planets and moons. Candidates whose research has clear links to ongoing research activities of the institute will be preferred.

Information on your application

We invite grant applicants who are interested in choosing the Department of Astrophysics at the University of Zurich as their host institution to directly apply via the button below. Applicants should submit a CV, a publication list, contact information for 3 references, and a concise 3-page project description as a single PDF. Applications received by 1 March 2026 will receive full consideration. While we encourage early applications, submissions after 1 March 2026 may also be considered. After an internal evaluation, interviews are held online with the most promising candidates.

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
Special conditions on hotel reservations

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

Department of Astrophysics

Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Ricardo Borgo

HR responsible

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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What we offer

Location

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Further information

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Working at UZH

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