Two-Year Post-Doctoral Research Position in Research Group “Politics and Inequality” led by Thomas Kurer

The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral research position as part of the international Horizon Europe project WELFAIR. The successful candidate will join Work Package 8 ("Political Implications and Public Attitudes"), led by Thomas Kurer.
 
The position is available from September 1, 2026. A later start date (up to January 2027) can be arranged by mutual agreement. Candidates should have completed their PhD research by the start of the appointment, although the formal dissertation defense may take place after they have taken up the position. The position is research-focused and carries no teaching obligations.

Job Profile
The successful candidate will play a leading role in the implementation of Work Package 8 ("Political Implications and Public Attitudes") within the Horizon Europe project WELFAIR. The work package examines how citizens evaluate the consequences of technological change, demographic ageing and rising inequality, and how these perceptions shape support for welfare state reform and intergenerationally fair policies. More information on the project can be found here.
The postdoctoral researcher will take the operational lead in the work package, coordinating its day-to-day activities, contributing to the conceptual development and implementation of cross-national survey experiments, leading data analysis and scientific publications and serving as the primary point of contact with international consortium partners. While the overall research agenda and project deliverables are defined by the Horizon Europe grant, the position offers substantial intellectual responsibility and opportunities to shape the theoretical, empirical and publication strategy of the work package in close collaboration with the principal investigator. In addition, the successful candidate will have protected time to pursue their own research agenda beyond the immediate scope of the project.

Your responsibilities

• Take the operational lead in coordinating and implementing the deliverables of the UZH work package within the WELFAIR project, including interaction with international consortium partners.
• Further develop the work package's conceptual and theoretical framework.
• Lead the design, implementation and analysis of an original cross-national survey experiment.
• Lead the preparation of two working papers on attribution, structural change, and public support for welfare state reform in collaboration with the PI.
• Contribute to the research, organizational, and administrative activities of the project.

Your profile

• PhD in political science or a related discipline (completed or close to completion).
• Strong interest in public opinion, welfare state politics, and the political implications of structural change.
• Ambition and ability to produce high-quality, high-impact research, both independently and as part of an international research team.
• Proficiency in quantitative research methods; previous experience with survey experiments is a strong asset.
• Excellent command of English; working knowledge of German is an asset.

Information on your application

What we offer

• Two-year contract
• Protected time for independent research in the area of the research group
• Opportunities for paid optional additional teaching.
• Some funding for conferences, additional training and/or research.
• Excellent working conditions in a leading research-oriented and international department that provides a constructive and collaborative research environment.

Place of work

Zurich, Switzerland, UZH, Department of Political Science, Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zurich

Application
Application file should include:

• a letter of interest
• CV
• one writing sample
• contact details of 2 people willing to serve as references

Deadline for applications is August 9, 2026. We plan to hold interviews in week 34/35.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive research environment and strongly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups in academia.

Further information
More information on the WELFAIR project and work package 8 specifically:Link

Wir bieten

• 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
• 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