Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Socio-Spatial Analysis

This position is in the research group "Spatial Development and Urban Policy SPUR" led by Prof. Dr. David Kaufmann, which focuses on sustainable, democratic and just urban development. We are an interdisciplinary research group at the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development, bringing together perspectives from spatial planning, urban studies, social sciences, and data science.

We are searching for a postdoctoral researcher who conducts, leads, and acquires applied research projects on quantitative socio-spatial analysis. The core task is to develop and implement methods, tools and platforms for analyzing, monitoring and visualizing socio-spatial phenomena such as segregation, gentrification, displacement, housing affordability and poverty, with a focus on Switzerland. This includes collecting, analyzing and visualizing spatial registry data for research, applied projects, teaching and public communication.

More specifically, the researcher would develop and conduct socio-spatial monitorings of Switzerland as well as conduct applied research projects with public authorities.

The position entails collaboration across disciplines and integration of quantitative spatial analysis into different research projects. The researcher’s tasks also include developing a website presenting socio-spatial outcomes, indices, and maps for the public to engage with, and providing open access downloadable data. The researcher will engage with public authorities, research institutions, NGOs and the public to further develop the applied research portfolio of the SPUR research group, with the long‑term goal of establishing a sub‑unit on applied socio‑spatial analysis.

• A PhD degree (or near completion of) in spatial or urban analytics, quantitative or computational social science or geography, public economics or similar disciplines
• Strong knowledge and skills in data science, spatial analytics and spatial data visualization, including experience in handling large‑scale registry datasets. Experience in working with linked Swiss registry datasets is an asset
• Good knowledge and interest in Swiss spatial planning and housing policy, and a curiosity for socio‑spatial phenomena and urban issues (e.g., segregation or gentrification)
• Interest in integrating spatial data analysis into interdisciplinary and mixed‑methods research projects
• Good knowledge of the relevant academic literature and interest in bringing applied socio‑spatial research into academic discourse and academic publications
• Interest in bringing socio‑spatial analysis into teaching and public discourse
• Experience in project management and organizational development. Knowledge of website programming is an asset
• Very good command of written and spoken English and German, good command of French is an asset

• Postdoctoral researcher position initially limited to 2 years, extendable up to 6 years, starting summer 2026
• As part of ETH Zurich, your professional development will be supported while contributing to positive societal change
• Access to various benefits including public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports offered by ASVZ, childcare and pension benefits

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and nurturing a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value and the University is actively working towards a climate‑neutral future.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Marko Jovanovic at jmarko.