Professorship in Politics of Inequality

The University of Zurich invites applications for a professorship in politics of inequality (associate or full professor) starting on 1 August 2028.

The holder of the position will conduct research and teach on the relationship between inequality and politics, broadly defined. Substantive areas may include, but are not limited to, the drivers of inequality, its impact on political processes and representation, its implications for policy choices, the relationship between inequality and individual attitudes and behavior, as well as the study of macro-historical patterns of inequality across world regions and international dynamics of inequality. Inequality may be defined by and explored across individual dimensions such as age, class, education, ethnicity, gender, income, language, race, wealth and across systemic dimensions such as level of development and region. Research may focus on the local, regional, national, or international level. The geographic focus and historical scope of the position are open.

Candidates must hold a PhD in Political Science or a related discipline with a clear political science focus and have an outstanding record of academic achievement. Candidates must demonstrate an excellent and internationally recognized research track record in the study of politics and inequality and should have experience in securing research funding. They must also possess a strong teaching record in their area of expertise, as well as the ability to teach general political science courses.

The position is based at the Department of Political Science (IPZ), which offers a dynamic, collaborative, and international environment. The department provides generous support for both research and teaching. The successful candidate will be eligible to apply for funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation, other national funding bodies, and the European Union.

Teaching may be carried out in English. Non-German speaking candidates are expected to acquire a working knowledge of German within the first three years of the appointment. The successful candidate is expected to show an openness to working with colleagues in the department and across the university. The University of Zurich is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity in research and teaching. Therefore, applications from candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged.

The closing date for applications is 21 October 2026. For further details regarding the application process, please visit the website of the Faculty of Arts an Social Sciences.

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, 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