Post-doctoral Research Position in The Research Group of Professor Thomas Widmer

**Department of Political Science**
**Post-Doctoral Research Position in the Research Group of Professor Thomas Widmer 80 %**: Start of employment 01.02.2026

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**:

- 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**:

- 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.
- 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.

**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. Thomas Widmer**
- Professor

**Susanne Arlt**
- Persoalverantwortliche
- 044 634 39 19

**Working at UZH**: