Postdoctoral Researcher

URPP Human Reproduction Reloaded | H2R

Postdoctoral Researcher 80 %

Start of employment January 2026 or next possible date

Postdoc in Medical Ethics, Bioethics, Theological Ethics, or Law with focus on the ethics/law of heritable human genome editing.

The University Research Priority Program (URPP) "Human Reproduction Reloaded | H2R" explores the remaking of human reproduction, the respective societal challenges, legal implications and normative perspectives. This interdisciplinary positioned URPP brings together researchers from six faculties as well as from a wide range of disciplines across the humanities, social sciences, medical sciences and natural sciences.

The URPP's phase revolves around three main research foci: family, kinship and gender; declining fertility and non-reproduction; and gene editing.

information about the URPP, the people involved, its research and activities to date can be found here.

Your responsibilities

• Excellent academic credentials (PhD with focus on ethics or law) either in medical ethics, law, philosophy, or theology.
• Participation in the URPP's events and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary exchange and interfaculty networking.

Your profile

• Your research should address legal or ethical questions arising from the use of genetics in human reproduction, including gene editing, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, and other emerging developments in these fields. The position includes contributing to the development and answering of research questions within the broader project framework adressing the challenges of human reproduction in contemporary societies.
• You are able to show your interest with a corresponding preliminary draft, project outline, or at least by considerations regarding a specific question in this field.
• You will be integrated into the sub-project "CRISPR Technology in Human Reproduction" and take an active role in promoting its highly interdisciplinary exchange, for instance by contributing to the organisation of sub-project meetings. You are not only capable of working in an interdisciplinary and international team, but also willing to take responsibility for collaborative structures and events.
• You master English as a scientific and working language; additional language skills, especially in Swiss national languages, are an advantage.

We offer:

• Focus on the research project and regular feedback from qualified peers and experts from the various fields involved.
• A stimulating environment with the highest level of expertise across all areas related to the research question, as well as excellent opportunities for networking with both experts and the public.
• Attractive employment conditions (the position is limited to 3 years), including flexible working hours.

Information on your application

Applications should consist of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a sketch of a research idea (1-2 pages), a work sample (paper or thesis), reviews for your Phd thesis, bachelor's and master's certificates, and official transcripts of records.

Please submit your application documents by December 10, 2025, exclusively electronically and in a single PDF document

Should you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Michael Coors ), phone

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
URPP Human Reproduction Reloaded | H2R

Rämistrasse 71, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information
Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Michael Coors

Professor of Theological Ethics

Working at UZH

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

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