Job Description

Department of Geography

Postdoc for DigiLand 100 %

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Start of employment January 2026 or by agreement
The Geocomputation Unit at the Department of Geography of the University of Zurich (UZH) invites applications for a

postdoc

position as a part of our Swiss National Science Foundation funded project

Digiland: a digital approach to changing landscape value through multiscalar geographic text analysis

. The appointment will be made for 3 years (starting 01 January 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter).



We are looking for a motivated researcher with proven experience in the analysis of landscape using quantitative methods. You will be interested in the use of text analysis to explore landscape semantics and may already have experience in such methods. In Digiland we will investigate how the diverse ways in which people value landscapes can be identified and interpreted, and how these values vary across different spaces, time, language, and stakeholders. The project team will include two PhD candidates and a postdoctoral researcher who will have the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively.

Your responsibilities

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You will participate in, lead and publish research relevant to the unit's aims You will take part in the supervision, mentoring and assessment of MSc and potentially PhD candidates You will prepare funding applications for personal and project funding You will make a contribution to teaching offered by the unit

Your profile

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You have completed, or will soon complete, a PhD in a relevant field You have published your research in peer-reviewed international journals and/ or conferences You can demonstrate good programming and/or analytical skills. Knowledge and experience with text analysis will be a plus You speak and write English fluently, and additional language skills - in particular in Swiss national languages - would be advantageous You have excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills You value diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Benefits

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Protected time for your own research Mentoring for the next stages of your career Attractive pay according to the regulations of the University of Zurich as a Postdoctoral Researcher Position available as a full-time 100% appointment. Holiday entitlement of 25 days plus public holidays per year UZH offers attractive working conditions and opportunities for further education. We will provide a stimulating and supportive research environment, with opportunities for multi- and interdisciplinary collaborations, and funding for research visits, infrastructure and fieldwork. Zurich and its surroundings provide an excellent living environment, with a broad range of cultural activities and easy access to the countryside and mountains.

Information on your application

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To apply, you should upload the following documents to our application portal:A motivation letter, explaining why you want to apply for this position, setting out a potential line of research you would pursue if appointed, and demonstrating how you can fulfil the criteria listed above A CV including a publication list and contact details for three referees Degree transcripts (BSc, MSc, PhD) A copy of your PhD dissertation An example of a significant research contribution you have made (e.g. to a scientific paper, a piece of software, a book) together with a 300-word summary of why you consider this contribution to be significant, and an explanation of your contribution to the broader communities of science and society

To find out more about the research undertaken at the Geocomputation Unit, please visit our web page. information about teaching and research in the Department of Geography is available here.

For any inquiries, please contact Prof. Dr. Ross Purves.



The initial deadline for applications is 28th November 2025. Review of applications will commence thereafter and will continue until the position is filled.

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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Department of Geography

Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland

Further information

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Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Ross Purves

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!