University of Zurich 
Zurich, Switzerland Angebotszusammenfassung
The University of Zurich and the Swiss Forum for Migration and Population Studies offer two PhD positions focused on health disparities among migration-related populations in Switzerland. Funded by the SNSF, these four-year part-time roles (80% FTE) begin in February 2027 or upon agreement. Candidates will conduct interdisciplinary research combining migration studies and public health to analyze mental and physical health outcomes, access barriers, and policy contexts. One position, based in Neuchâtel under Didier Ruedin, investigates access barriers and discrimination. The other, based in Zurich under Oliver Hämmig, examines health inequalities using large-scale survey data. Both candidates enroll in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics PhD program at UZH, requiring a Master’s degree, strong quantitative skills, and proficiency in English plus German, French, or Italian. Knowledge of additional languages is advantageous.
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Projektbeschreibung
Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute
2 PhD positions in a project about health disparities among migration-related populations in Switzerland 80 %
Start of employment February 2027 or upon agreement, temporary
The Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI) is a leading research and teaching institution in the fields of public health, epidemiology, and preventive medicine. The UZH Population Research Center (PRC) is an interdisciplinary initiative led by professors and researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at UZH, with the goal of creating a collaborative and integrative scientific platform for population-based research. The Swiss Forum for Migration and Population Studies (SFM) is a prominent research and training institute at the University of Neuchâtel, specialized in questions of human migration and mobility.
Your responsibilities
In the context of a major interdisciplinary project on health disparities among migration-related populations in Switzerland, funded by the SNSF, we are looking for 2 PhD researchers (4 years). The project combines migration studies and public health to analyse mental and physical health outcomes, access barriers, and the role of poli-cy contexts.
As part of the PhD position you work as part of an interdisciplinary team and participate in all relevant project phases:
- contribute to developing and piloting the questionnaire and survey instruments
- collaboration with stakeholders in public health and migration
- carry out qualitative interviews and focus groups in the preparation phase
- support data management and data cleaning
- develop your own research questions within the broad scope of the project
- data analysis, writing scientific publications, presenting results at conferences
- other tasks related to the project as mutually agreed
One position will be mainly working at the University of Neuchâtel (under the supervion of Didier Ruedin), one mainly at the University of Zürich (under the supervision of Oliver Hämmig). Both students will be enroled in the PhD program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at University of Zurich during the entire PhD. You will be expteced to spend part of your working time at the other institution.
Focus position 1: Access barriers and discrimination (based in Neuchâtel)
You will investigate self-reported access barriers, language hurdles, and experiences of discrimination (based on nationality, religion, ethnicity). Your work will analyze how cumulative disadvantages affect health outcomes and identify structural barriers in the Swiss healthcare system.
Ideal Background: Quantitative Migration Studies, Sociology, Political Science, or Public Health with a focus on social inequalities. Main place of Work: Rue Abram-Louis-Breguet 2, 2000 Neuchâtel.
Focus position 2: Disparities in mental and physical health (based in Zürich):
You will examine health inequalities within and between heterogeneous migration-related groups compared to citizens without a migration background. Your work will focus on multidimensional health assessments, social determinants of health, and the 'healthy migrant' paradox using large-scale survey data.
Ideal background: Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Sociology/Psychology, or other Social Sciences with a strong quantitative focus. Main place of work: Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zürich
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated person with a Masters degree in a relevant discipline.
- interest in public health, epidemiology, and social inequalities
- quantitative research skills including statistical skills and an interest to develop them
- you enjoy working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
- strong organizational and communication skills, a high level of self-motivation, and the ability to work in a structured and conceptual manner
- excellent English skills, (very) good German or French (or Italian)
- knowledge of Dari, Pashto, Tigrinya, Tamil, Albanian, Ukrainian/Russian, and Turkish is of advantage
Information on your application
The PhD student will enroll into the Epidemiology and Biostatistics PhD program of the Life Science Zurich Graduate School
Structured PhD Program «Epidemiology and Biostatistics»
Please apply to the Life Science Zurich Graduate School and choose Epidemiology and Biostatistics as your primary program. You application will be screened for all open positions in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics PhD program.
Life Science Zurich Graduate School
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more.
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
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
Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute
Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Oliver Hämmig
Head of Social Epidemiology and Health Reporting
Contact Form Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
Questions about the application procedure
Marco Kaufmann
PhD program coordination
Contact Form Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
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!
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! More
