Job Description

Institut fur Politikwissenschaft

Student Assistant / Hilfsassistent:in Position 20 - 30 %

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Start of employment 15.02.2026, temporary
The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a fixed-term (6 months, extension possible and desirable) Student Assistant / Hilfsassistent:in starting on February 15, 2026 (or upon agreement). The position is part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)-funded research project "Beyond Traditional Elites: Influencers' Agenda Setting Powers in the Digital Age", led by Dr. Jonathan Kluser.

Your responsibilities

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This position supports all aspects of the research project, which aims to understand how online personas translate their fame and outreach into political power. The primary responsibilities of the student assistant include:Preparing and implementing surveys using QuestionPro. Creating multimedia content for experiments, utilizing AI tools and/or traditional editing software. Annotating various types of content (texts, images, videos, audios) collected from social media platforms. Conducting literature research on specific research questions.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a large-scale, multi-year research project at the intersection of political science, political communication, and computational social science.

Your profile

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This position is ideal for senior BA or MA students who are able to commit to the research project for an extended period.



Preferred qualifications include:Current enrollment in a BA or MA program in political science or political communication at a Swiss university (related fields will also be considered based on fit). Prior experience with QuestionPro and/or a willingness to further develop this skill. Familiarity with multimedia content creation and an eagerness to explore best practices in emerging AI tools. Prior exposure to social media content creation is a plus. Experience conducting literature research. Strong ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting.

Information on your application

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What we offer

Working in an interesting, cutting-edge research project. Hands-on experience in academic research, providing valuable insights into the workings of academia. The ability to propose and potentially pursue your own research questions. Access to research infrastructure to support your own projects, such as BA/MA theses. A dedicated workspace at the Department of Political Science within the shared student assistant desk pool.

Place of work

Zurich - Oerlikon

Start of employment

The starting date for this position is February 15, 2026, or by agreement.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please upload your application, including a short motivation letter, CV, proof of academic performance and (if available) a writing sample (e.g., seminar / research paper) to the online form.



The review of applications will begin after January 26, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Interviews will likely take place in the first half of February and can be done virtually if need be.

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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Institut fur Politikwissenschaft

Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland

Further information

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Questions about the job

Dr. Jonathan Kluser

Oberassistent SNF - Ambizione

Questions about the application procedure

Susanne Arlt

Personalverantwortliche
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!