Job Description

URPP Digital Religion(s)

2 PhD Candidate Positions in Research Project "Strengthening Resilience and Well-Being in Adolescents through Religion-Related AI and Digital Resources" 80 %

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Start of employment as soon as possible, temporary
As part of the strategic orientation of the University of Zurich, the interdisciplinary University Research Priority Program (URPP) "Digital Religion(s)" is investigating from 2021 to 2032 how current dynamics of digitalization influence, shape, and transform religious practices in different societal contexts. specifically, it examines how individual and institutional actors communicate religiously in hybrid online-offline settings and how they assert their public claim to societal orientation.



The URPP "Digital Religion(s)" offers you a multifaceted role in a forward-looking, interdisciplinary, and excellent research priority program of high scientific, political, ethical and societal relevance. We offer you the opportunity to collaborate within an inspiring network of outstanding researchers from various disciplines with career opportunities inside and outside academia, as well as an attractive workplace in the heart of Zurich.



With funding from the Templeton Religion Trust, the URPP Digital Religion(s) and the MEEET-Lab (Media Existential Encounters and Evolving Technology Lab) is initiating a one-year pilot study of an interdisciplinary project that will investigate how religion-related artificial intelligence (AI) and social media platforms and other digital spaces can positively influence resilience and the well-being of adolescents (ages 13-18), understanding resilience as a key factor contributing to well-being and of human flourishing. It explores how religious beliefs and traditions - specifically love of neighbor (Nachstenliebe, agap?), care, forgiveness, and hope - may serve as psychological, ethical and existential resources for young people navigating a pluralistic and increasingly fragmented and unpredictable world, and how these values can contribute to human flourishing amid social uncertainty and digital transformation.



Following a participatory design/Citizen Science approach, the exploration and selection of religion-related AI tools, social media platforms and other digital spaces will be conducted collaboratively with the adolescents, thereby ensuring that their experiences, perspectives, and agency are integral to the research process.



We are seeking two 80% PhDs for one year, initially, under the supervision of the project leads, Prof. Dr Thomas Schlag (Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the URPP) and Prof. Dr Beth Singler (Assistant Professor in Digital Religion(s) and Co-Director of the URPP).

Your responsibilities

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Involvement in the project's literature review and development of the methodological framework Identifying participant groups and recruitment for the pilot study Development of the project's ethical guidelines for human subject research Data management and security for the project Contributing to academic publications and actively disseminating findings Seeking further funding and writing funding proposals to extend the project beyond the pilot study Collaboration in preparing the funding proposal to extend the project (planned 2026-2029) beyond the pilot study Involvement in the collaborative environment of the URPP

Your profile

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You have gained a (master's) degree in either Theology (for supervision by Prof. Dr Schlag) or Religious Studies (for supervision by Prof. Dr Singler), or in related fields such as anthropology, sociology, or communication studies, and education, with excellent grades You have proficient communication skills in both English and German/Swiss-German You have a strong interest in the fields of Digital Religion(s), Digital Transformation, and/or the applications of AI in society, education, and culture You are comfortable working with human participants, especially young people You have experience in human subject research and/or focus groups You have the willingness to acquire any necessary technical skills

Information on your application

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Please send your application as one single PDF file to Prof. Beth Singler via the "apply" button (i.e., cover letter with statement of motivation, transcripts of grades, CV, and 1 letter of support or the name and contact details of one referee) by 16.09. 2025.

What we offer

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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

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URPP Digital Religion(s)

Stampfenbachstrasse 106, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland

Further information

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Questions about the job

Beth Singler

Assistant Professor in Digital Religion(s)
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Questions about the application procedure

Thomas Schlag

Professor of Practical Theology

Working at UZH

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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!