The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich (http://www.ipz.uzh.ch) invites applications for a PhD position in the research group of Prof. Daniel Kübler, who holds the chair of Democracy and Public Governance and serves as the director of UZH’s Centre for Democracy Studies (https://www.zdaarau.ch).
The Department of Political Science offers excellent support in a vibrant research community and is committed to advancing young scholars’ careers.
Your responsibilities
The PhD student will pursue his or her own research in the broad field of democracy studies and/or public governance, with a particular focus on Switzerland and its direct democratic polity.
The PhD student will also be enrolled in the Department’s Doctoral Programme in Democracy Studies, which offers advanced methodological and substantive training.
She or he will contribute to teaching in the field of Swiss politics, empirical research on democracy, or public governance (2 hours per week), advising of BA and MA students, and some administrative tasks. Collaboration in research projects running in the research group, as well as in the Centre for Democracy Studies is encouraged.
Your profile
The successful candidate should hold an MA/MSc in Political Science or Public Administration, have a solid training in methods, and be able to work in both English and German (knowledge of French is an asset). She or he should have a strong interest in academic research and motivation to pursue an academic career, and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
What we offer
The PhD student will have the possibility to develop his or her own research agenda, in a leading department with highly motivated and engaged members. Conditional on approval of the PhD proposal by the end of the first year, funding is guaranteed for four years total. Salary is according to cantonal guidelines and approximately 57’927 CHF per year (gross salary, 0.6 FTE).
Place of work
Zurich – Oerlikon
Start of employment
Start date of the employment : 01.02.2026
Application deadline: 31.08.2025
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for this position, please upload your application as one pdf-file, including motivation letter, CV, proof of academic performance and (if available) a writing sample (e.g., seminar/research paper) to www.ipz.uzh.ch/de/ueber-uns/offene-stellen/2025-PhD-Kübler.html
Further information
For informal inquiries, please contact Prof. Daniel Kübler (Daniel.Kuebler@ipz.uzh.ch).
