Assistant Professorship: Support for Junior Group Leader Position in Virology and/or Host-Pathogen Interactions

The Department of Infectious Diseases at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Switzerland, is searching for pioneers in the field of Virology and/or Host-Pathogen Interactions.

We aim to specifically support an early-career scientist who is currently transitioning to running their own laboratory-or already leads one-and demonstrates not only professional expertise but also a spirit of innovation. The selected individual will receive assistance in preparing grant applications for institutions such as the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), the European Research Council (ERC), or the Cloetta Foundation. If successful, an invitation to negotiate for a five-year non-tenure-track Assistant Professorship at the Department of Infectious Diseases awaits.

Your responsibilities

The incoming Assistant Professor is expected to dive deep, charting unexplored territories in virology and/or host-pathogen interactions. Ideally the researcher shows a clinical interest – a physician scientist with training in infectious diseases would be very welcome. We are searching for a visionary - someone keen on doing experimental work and/or translational science. A passion for teaching, paired with the leadership skills required to lead a research team, is indispensable.

Your profile

We seek excellence.

• Candidates must satisfy the eligibility criteria for SNSF starting grants (SNSF Starting Grants), ERC consolidator grants (Consolidator Grant|ERC), or the Professor Dr Max Cloëtta Foundation (Medical Research Position - Professor Dr Max Cloëtta Foundation).
• We expect candidates to stand out with research outputs that not only exceed their doctoral contributions but also redefine boundaries in the field.

We are particularly interested in the following expertise:

• biology of viruses
• immunopathology caused by viruses
• immune responses to viruses
• novel treatment strategies to fight viruses
• novel vaccination strategies
• data science in virology

We seek an ambitious investigator developing an internationally competitive research program addressing fundamental or translational questions in virology. While research on clinically relevant viral pathogens is particularly encouraged, outstanding candidates working on any aspect of virus biology or virus–host interactions are warmly invited to apply.

Information on your application

Please apply online by submitting the following documents:

• A comprehensive resume, publications list, and a highlight on your three most significant achievements.
• A research statement, focusing primarily on sketching a vision and future research directions (not exceeding 2 pages).
• A teaching and mentorship statement (limited to 1 page).
• A motivation letter that outlines and describes areas for potential collaborations with researchers and diagnostic units at the institute.

Applications are welcomed until October 10th, 2026. The promising candidates will be invited for online interviews in early November 2026, and the final decision will be communicated by November 10th, 2026. The anticipated start date will be January 1st, 2028, or by arrangement.

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