Research Assistant «ZuReach»

Digital Society Initiative

Research Assistant «ZuReach» %

Start of employment March 2026, temporary

For our participatory, DIZH-funded project, titled «ZuReach: Zurich Urban Reachability & Accessibility Enhancement through Digital Technology» we are hiring a Research Assistant (30–40%) on a fixed-term, 8-month contract. The project is part of the DIZH-funded research project «SISAL: Situation-Aware Individualized Spatial Accessibility Analytics» and continues the work of «ZuriACT: Zurich Accessible CiTy» project, both managed by Dr. Hoda Allahbakhshi. ZuReach will be a collaborative effort involving the University of Zurich, ZHAW, the City of Zurich, and various public and private stakeholders.

In our participatory project, we aim to contribute to the collection and enrichment of sidewalk accessibility information in the city of Zurich - and possibly Winterthur - using web-based digital tools that enable virtual inspections and measurements of accessibility features (e.g., curbs, surfaces, and crosswalks). Our goal is to investigate how accessible these cities are for individuals with mobility impairments or restrictions. Ultimately, we seek to optimize and personalize access to key destinations for people with mobility impairments by leveraging detailed spatial accessibility data. Additionally, we aim to explore how enriched accessibility data can be utilized in real-world applications to benefit these population groups.

Your responsibilities

Tasks related to the execution and analysis of the ZuReach project will include, but are not limited to:

• participating in the design, planning, and implementation of data collection protocols, online and paper-based questionnaires, and focus group discussions
• developing materials in German and English (flyers, data collection protocols, project description, participants' consent form, scientific reports, meeting minutes, etc.)
• contributing to participant recruitment and scheduling - Recruit adults from various backgrounds (e.g., the community at large, university students) using several sources (social media, mailing, email, in-person, flyers)
• training and instructing the participants in data collection
• if needed, on-site data collection in the city of Zurich and Winterthur
• doing research on data quality assessment and helping with verifying and analyzing the collected datasets
• if needed, applying AI and digital methods for image processing to extract accessibility features (width, smoothness, etc.)
• collaborating with researchers, public organizations, and other institutions

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and open-minded researcher with a passion for science and an independent, efficient, organized, and effective work style, with the following profile:

• A completed bachelor's degree in Geography, GIScience, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• A strong background in quantitative data analysis, statistical analysis, computational modeling, and programming (e.g., Python, SQL, R) is a prerequisite.
• Knowledge of qualitative study design and data analysis.
• Knowledge of spatial data storage and databases.
• Ideally, the candidate also has experience in machine learning/deep learning, image processing, and spatial data analysis.
• Excellent social skills. Ability to work with diverse groups of people and be helpful, respectful, approachable, and team-oriented.
• Previous experience in interdisciplinary projects is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated high attention to detail. Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and spoken German AND English communication skills are mandatory. Knowledge of other Swiss national languages (Italian and French) is a plus.
• A Swiss residency permit is mandatory.

Information on your application

The position is part-time (30-40%) with start from March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and a duration of maximum 8 months. Work place is at the premises of the Digital Society Initiative (Rämistrasse 69, 8001 Zurich), or Department of Geography (Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich), University of Zürich.

Please send your complete application documents via the link below including:

1) A cover letter emphasizing motivation to apply (max. 1 A4 page)

2) A curriculum vitae

The screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. (First deadline: January 28, 2026, 17:00).

Applications from women and underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.

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

Hoda Allahbakhshi

Research group leader

Questions about the application procedure

Gabriele Prohaska

HR assistant 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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