Phd Position in The Research Project “inequalities, Politicization and Policy Demand”

**Department of Political Science**
**PhD position in the research project “Inequalities, Politicization and Policy Demand” 80 %**: Start of employment 01.09.2025, temporary

The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applicants for a PhD position in the research group of Prof. Silja Häusermann. The PhD student will work in the project entitled _Inequalities, Politicization and Policy Demand_, which is part of the University Research Priority Program (URPP) _Equality of Opportunity_.

**Project background**
- and downward experiences in social hierarchies and how they affect the ways in which citizens think about the politics of inequality, on responsibility and accountability attributions linked to inequalities experienced and perceived in the labor market and/or society, as well as on the policies that various groups of citizens expect to effectively address perceived inequalities. Empirically, the project will work with survey data, complemented with administrative data and data on policy repertoires.

**Your responsibilities**:

- Collaborate in the development and implementation of the research project with the other team members (the PI and one Postdoc)
- Conduct a dissertation project within the field of politics and inequality research. The dissertation project can draw on the joint project, but also leaves room for independent research
- Participate in the coursework of the Department's doctoral program
- Contribute to and participate in the intellectual life at the Department and the UpRPP

**Your profile**:

- Master's degree in political science or closely related discipline (ideally, the degree should be completed by August 2025)
- Substantive research interest in comparative political economy, comparative politics and political behavior
- Solid training in quantitative social science methods and strong interest in developing methodological skills
- Ambition to produce high-quality research, both independently and in a team
- Excellent command of English as the working language

**What we offer**
- Employment for 3.5 years (conditional on approval of the dissertation proposal by the end of the first year)
- Salary in accordance with SNF guidelines (gross annual salary starting at approximately 50'000 CHF)
- Integration in a leading department with highly motivated and engaged members and a collaborative and supporting working atmosphere
- Opportunity to develop your own dissertation project
- Possibility of teaching in the department (paid additionally and depending on departmental teaching needs)

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

**Closing date**:3 March 2025
**Start of employment**:1 September 2025 (or by agreement)

**How to apply**
- Motivation letter (including a short summary of your research interests and ideas for a PhD project)
- CV
- Diplomas and Transcripts
- One writing sample (for the MA thesis, does not need to be published)
- Name of 1-2 potential references (no reference letters are required for the time being)

**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 Political Science***:Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland

**Further information**:
**Questions about the job**:
**Prof. Dr. Silja Häusermann**
- Professor of Swiss Politics and Comparative political Economy

**Susanne Arlt**
- Personalverantwortliche Institut für Politikwissenschaft
- 044 634 39 19

**Working at UZH**: