Department of Sociology Senior Researcher in Sociology (tenured, open topic) 100 % Start of employment 1 August 2026 or by arrangement 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. Your responsibilities 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. Your profile 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. Information on your application 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. The start date is negotiable. If you are confident that you would be a good fit for our team and could make a significant contribution to the Department of Sociology, please send us your application materials, including three publications. Please submit your application by 31 May 2026. 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 Sociology Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland Further information Questions about the job Prof. Dr. Katja Rost Department's Director / Chair holder Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly. Questions about the application procedure Prof. Dr. Jörg Rössel Deputy Department's Director / Chair holder Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly. 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! Wenn Sie sich auf diese Stelle bewerben, erwähnen Sie bitte dass Sie sie auf Universitoxy gesehen haben.

Department of Sociology

Senior Researcher in Sociology (tenured, open topic) 100 %

Start of employment 1 August 2026 or by arrangement

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.

Your responsibilities

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.

Your profile

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.

Information on your application

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.

The start date is negotiable. If you are confident that you would be a good fit for our team and could make a significant contribution to the Department of Sociology, please send us your application materials, including three publications.
Please submit your application by 31 May 2026.

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 Sociology

Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Katja Rost Department's Director / Chair holder

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.

Questions about the application procedure

Prof. Dr. Jörg Rössel Deputy Department's Director / Chair holder

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.

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!

Wenn Sie sich auf diese Stelle bewerben, erwähnen Sie bitte dass Sie sie auf Universitoxy gesehen haben.

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