Senior Research Associate

Department of Archaeology

Senior Research Associate 80 %

Start of employment by 1 January 2026 or by agreement, temporary

The Department of Archaeology, Classical Philology and Ancient Studies (IAKA) at the University of Zurich is inviting applications for a fixed-term Senior Research Associate position (for 3.5 years until June The establishment of IAKA, which will be affiliated with the Ancient History Department, is planned for 1 January 2026.

The job holder will make an important contribution to the new department by putting digital methods into practice and further developing them in the areas of image/object and/or text within Past Cultures Studies at IAKA. A particular focus on the potentials of artificial intelligence is desirable. The position offers an opportunity to carry out one's own postdoctoral project and to gain further academic qualifications at the intersection of digital humanities and the disciplines represented at the department. The project should be oriented towards and contribute to one of the four main research areas of the new department: Ecologies in Past Cultures; Producing and Framing Realities by Words and Images; Agency: Creation, Creativity and Community; Cultural Heritage and Reception Studies.

Your responsibilities

• The pursuit of one's own postdoctoral research project / habilitation
• Active and committed participation in at least one of the IAKA research areas named above
• Two hours of teaching per week during the semester
• Strengthening the profile of digital methods in the department's research
• Fostering academic exchange on digital methodology and its applications within the department

Your profile

• An excellent doctoral degree in one of the disciplines represented within IAKA (Archaeology, Classical Philology, Ancient History or another field of Ancient Studies)
• Proven expertise in applying digital methods within Ancient Studies
• A clear commitment to an academic career
• Strong motivation to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Teaching experience is desirable
• Willingness to undertake further training in higher-education teaching
• Very good command of German and English. Candidates without prior knowledge of German are expected to be able to hold conversations after two years

Information on your application

Please submit your application by November 15, 2025, at the latest, as a single PDF file including the following documents: a letter of motivation / cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, list of courses taught, copies of diplomas, and an outline of the postdoctoral project (approx. three pages).

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 Archaeology

Rämistrasse 73, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information
Questions about the job

Corinna Reinhardt

Professor for Mediterranean Archaeology with a Focus on Greek and Roman Antiquity

Questions about the application procedure

Fabian Zogg

Executive Director

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

---