The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich (http://www.ipz.uzh.ch) invites appli cations for a fixed-term (6 months, extension possible and desirable) Student Assistant / Hilfsassistent:in starting on March 1, 2025 (or upon agreement). The position is part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)-funded research project “Beyond Traditional Elites: Influencers’ Agenda Setting Powers in the Digital Age” (https://data.snf.ch/grants/grant/223788), led by Dr. Jonathan Klüser.
Your responsibilities
This position supports all aspects of the research project, which aims to understand how online per sonas translate their fame and outreach into political power. The primary responsibilities of the stu dent assistant include:
- Preparing and implementing surveys using Qualtrics.
- Creating multimedia content for experiments, utilizing AI tools and/or traditional editing software.
- Annotating various types of content (texts, images, videos) collected from social media plat forms.
- Conducting literature research on specific research questions.
This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a large-scale, multi-year research project at the intersection of political science, political communication, and computational social science.
Qualifications
This position is ideal for senior BA or MA students who are able to commit to the research project for an extended period. As some aspects of the research questions and methods are still evolving, pro active candidates with a strong interest in how social media creates new political actors and trans forms democratic processes are particularly encouraged to apply.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Current enrollment in a BA or MA program in political science or political communication at a Swiss university (related fields will also be considered based on fit).
- Prior experience with Qualtrics and a willingness to further develop this skill.
- Familiarity with multimedia content creation and an eagerness to explore best practices in emerging AI tools.
- Experience conducting literature research.
- Strong ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting.
What we offer
- Working in an interesting, cutting-edge research project, embedded in an interdisciplinary team of researchers Hands-on experience in academic research, providing valuable insights into the workings of academia.
- The ability to propose and potentially pursue your own research questions.
- Access to research infrastructure to support your own projects, such as BA/MA theses.
- A dedicated workspace at the Department of Political Science within the shared student as sistant desk pool.
Place of work
Zurich – Oerlikon
Start of employment
The starting date for this position is March 1, 2025, or by agreement.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for this position, please upload your application, including motivation letter, CV, proof of academic performance and (if available) a writing sample (e.g., seminar / research paper) to https://www.ipz.uzh.ch/de/ueber-uns/offene-stellen/2025-RA-Klüser.html
The review of applications will begin after February 9, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Interviews will likely take place in the first half of February and can be done virtually if need be. Further information
For informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Jonathan Klüser (klueser@ipz.uzh.ch).
