Research Assistant «The Impact of Interdisciplinary Research»

Digital Society Initiative

Research Assistant «The Impact of Interdisciplinary Research» %

Start of employment as of January 1, 2026, temporary

The Digital Society Initiative (DSI) is the University of Zurich's (UZH) competence center on digital transformation. In the DSI Strategy Lab, the DSI develops conceptual analyses and strategic scenarios for future developments in digital transformation.

The DSI Strategy Lab 2026 is dedicated to the topic «The Impact of Interdisciplinary Research». Among others, the aim of the Strategy Lab 2026 is to establish measures to assess under which conditions interdisciplinary research units can flourish and generate impact. The activities of the DSI should serve as a «use case» to develop and test such measures and generate data and visualizations referring to the impact of the DSI based on those measures.

Your responsibilities

To support this activity, we are looking for a research assistant who will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Evaluate existing measures to assess the impact of interdisciplinary research along various dimensions with respect to relevance and feasibility.
• Collect and analyze available data related to the DSI along the measures chosen in the above mentioned step.
• Prepare reports and visualizations based on the results of the previous step.
• Contribute to the organization of a retreat with national stakeholders (other Swiss universities, public administration, funding organizations etc.) with a link to research policy and governance.
• Support the core team of the Strategy Lab in administration and organization.

Your profile

You have an academic degree (master's degree or PhD) in a relevant discipline, such as data science, quantitative social science or similar disciplines and you have the following knowledge:

• Skills in data collection, data analysis and visualization; knowledge in handling relevant tools
• Competences in bibliometrics, scientometrics or related fields
• Experience in project management
• Strong implementation and problem-solving skills
• Ability to collaborate with various stakeholders at UZH
• If possible: knowledge in the assessment of (interdisciplinary) research.
• Languages: written and spoken German and English.

Information on your application

The position is part-time (30-40%) with start from January 1, 2026 possible and a duration of about 6 to 7 months (details are subject to negotiations). Work place is at the premises of the DSI.

Please apply with your motivation letter, your CV and your relevant diploma(s) latest by December 14, 2025.

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
Digital Society Initiative

Rämistrasse 69, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information
Questions about the job

Markus Christen

Managing Director DSI

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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