Senior Researcher in Sociology; tenured, topic

The Department of Sociology at the University of Zurich looks back on 60 years of active teaching and research. It is one of the leading empirically oriented institutes in Switzerland and Europe. Since its founding, research and teaching at the Department of Sociology have been based on a concept of theory-driven empirical social research with a focus on quantitative methods. The department’s research and teaching portfolio covers areas such as life course and generations’ research, social norms and cooperation, and the sociology of the economy.

To strengthen this portfolio in the face of national and international competition, we are seeking a Senior Researcher in Sociology who will permanently contribute an additional innovative specialization within theory-driven empirical sociology to the department’s research and teaching. Hence we call the position “open topic”. The specialization must be compatible with the department’s general orientation without duplicating existing permanent research focuses at the department.

In principle, all interdisciplinary sociologies, empirical methods, and theoretical orientations are conceivable. The selection of the successful candidate will be based on excellence and future potential in research and teaching, opportunities for collaboration within the Department of Sociology, the University of Zurich, and at the national and international levels, as well as potential for obtaining third-party funding.

We expect the successful candidate to teach at least one regularly offered, non-specialized undergraduate course in the bachelor’s program (e.g., an introduction to scientific methods or to the basic principles of sociology) and to contribute regularly to the bachelor’s thesis seminar. In addition to planning and delivering courses, this includes supervising and grading student work. Teaching in the Department of Sociology will begin in the spring semester of 2027.
The allocation of further courses at the bachelor’s and master’s levels will depend on your specialization and sociological profile.
You will also be expected to pursue a research agenda with long-term potential, conduct excellent research, publish in appropriate outlets, and participate in national and international conferences.
Finally, you are prepared to assume responsibilities in academic self-governance and to represent the department within the university as well as in national and international contexts.

• You hold a PhD in the social sciences, preferably in sociology; a postdoctoral qualification (Habilitation) is desirable but not required.
• You have several years of teaching experience in introductory sociology and are firmly grounded in theory-driven empirical sociology.
• We expect an innovative research agenda in sociology, documented by a strong publication record and clear scholarly visibility.
• You have very good German and/or English skills and are able to teach in both languages. New appointees are expected to begin a language course after taking up the position so that they quickly acquire at least a passive command of both languages.
• You demonstrate initiative and independence and are a highly cooperative, integrity-driven person who works well with students and with colleagues in the department and the wider university.

• We offer a challenging and stimulating working environment and a research context in which you can further develop your innovative specialization.
• You will have the opportunity to shape the curriculum, pursue your own research projects, and benefit from the prospect of a permanent position following an initial one‑year fixed‑term contract.
• The department supports its members at all career stages (e.g., in acquiring research funding, completing a Habilitation, and obtaining a titular professorship).
• The University of Zurich is a campus-based institution; working from home is possible for a maximum of two days per week.

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
• 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:
  Car sharing, 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