Job Description

Department of Political Science

Post-Doctoral Research Position in the Research Group of Professor Thomas Widmer 80 %

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Start of employment 01.02.2026
The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in the research group of Professor Thomas Widmer, who leads the research area 'Policy Analysis & Evaluation'.



The 'Policy Analysis & Evaluation' research area focuses on the analysis of public policies, primarily in Switzerland. The staff of the research unit carry out research and evaluation projects in a wide range of policy domains as part of research funding initiatives and on behalf of public authorities. Particular areas of focus include the analysis of policy-making processes, studies on changes in institutional policies, and conceptual and methodological questions relating to the evaluation of government measures.

Your responsibilities

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Engage in research and evaluation related to the research priorities of the group. Conduct and publish high-quality research and evaluation. Collaborate with other members of the research area and the Department. Develop your own research agenda, a strong academic network and engage in acquiring project funding. Supervision of MA theses in your own field of research by arrangement Provide support for research, organizational, and administrative tasks.

Your profile

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PhD in political science or public administration (completed or close to completion). Ambition and ability to produce high-quality and high-impact research in the area of the research group. Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methods skills with knowledge of relevant software. Ability and willingness to work in a team and also to conduct independent research. Motivation to pursue an academic career. Excellent command of English and German, knowledge of French and/or Italian is a plus.

Information on your application

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What we offer

Starting date: 1 February 2026, or later upon agreement Duration of employment: 2 years with renewal for 1 year contingent on research productivity and participation in departmental activities Salary according to UZH/cantonal guidelines, approximately CHF 82'000 per year (0.8 FTE) Protected time for independent research Opportunities for optional teaching (paid additionally and depending on departmental teaching needs) Funding for conferences, additional training, and research A highly motivated, engaged and supportive team Support for career development and planning, targeted to early-career researchers Excellent working conditions in a leading research-oriented and international department that provides a constructive and collaborative research environment

Place of work

Zurich, Switzerland

UZH, Department of Political Science, Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zurich

How to apply

Application files should include: a letter of interest, CV including a list of publications, diplomas, a writing sample, the contact details of 2-3 people willing to serve as references.

Please upload your application electronically as one pdf-file to the IPZ online form.

Deadline for applications

is 24 November 2025. We plan to hold interviews in early December 2025 (weeks 49 and 50).

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 Political Science

Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland

Further information

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Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Thomas Widmer

Professor
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Questions about the application procedure

Susanne Arlt

Persoalverantwortliche
044 634 39 19

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!