PhD Candidate in Societal Digitalization

Department of Sociology

PhD Candidate in Societal Digitalization 80 %

Start of employment The starting date is flexible in early 2026, temporary

The Department of Sociology at the University of Zurich looks back on more than 50 years of active research and teaching. It is one of the leading empirically oriented institutes in Switzerland and Europe. The basic understanding is based on theory-driven empirical social research with a strong focus on quantitative methods.

The focus of Prof. Dr. Gemma Newlands' team is on the sociology of societal digitialization, with a particular interest in the social dynamics of human-AI hybridity in the workplace. The advertised PhD position will be embedded in this broader research programme and contribute to several of its core strands, investigating themes such as augmentation, complacency, and temporal trade-offs.

Your responsibilities

We are seeking a PhD student dedicated to mixed methods research, combining quantitative and qualitative methods.

Your primary responsibilities are:

• Designing and conducting empirical research on the interdependence between humans and AI in diverse work settings.
• Contributing to a longitudinal mixed-methods study combining surveys, interviews and follow-up assessments across different stages of working life.
• Co-leading a comprehensive time-use diary study that explores how hybrid augmentation redistributes time, attention and social responsibilities.
• Conducting organizational case studies across different industries to examine how hybrid intelligence reshapes workflows, team collaboration and authority.
• Supporting outreach and engagement activities (e.g., presentations, workshops, public-facing summaries).

In this role, you get to engage in all phases of the research process, from conceptualization, study design, data collection, data analysis, reporting, scientific publishing, and dissemination.

In addition, you will be developing your independent PhD research project aligned with the broader programme and contributing to first-authored publications.

Your profile

• A proactive, collaborative, and creative mindset.
• Master's degree (or close to completion) in social science or an adjacent area, such as Sociology, Organisation Studies, Communication, or Media Studies.
• Good quantitative skills and either experience in qualitative research or a willingness to develop expertise in qualitative methodologies.
• Willingness to engage with theoretical and empirical literature in depth.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken. Excellent German language skills, both written and spoken.

Information on your application

Our offer includes:

• A stimulating, dynamic and supportive research environment.
• A large degree of leeway for creativity, planning, and development of ideas and projects.
• Insight into various large-scale studies with the possibility to investigate and to advance them.
• The possibility work with a certain degree of flexibility (in terms of time and place).
• The position is initially limited to three to four years, with the possibility of extension upon successful funding acquisition.

The starting date is flexible in early 2026. Please submit your application in only one pdf file until 15 January

Your application should contain all of the following five documents:

(i) A motivation letter including your strengths and skills (max 2 pages),

(ii) your CV (including name and contact details of two academic referees),

(iii) an outline of your research interests (max 2 pages),

(iv) one writing sample (e.g., Masters thesis, Bachelor thesis, past course-work),

(v) your most relevant degree certificate and grade transcript (usually the most recent degree).

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 Sociology

Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information
Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Gemma Newlands

Digital Society Initiative Professorship UZH

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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