University of Zurich 
Zurich, Switzerland Projektbeschreibung
Department of Business Administration
PhD Position in Accounting 60 %
Start of employment : August 2027, temporary
The University of Zurich invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Accounting. The accounting group takes a rigorous, economics-based approach to research, and doctoral students are admitted to the group as a whole rather than to an individual supervisor. Applications are welcome from candidates interested in all areas of accounting, including but not limited to:
- Financial accounting, disclosure, and capital markets
- Managerial accounting, performance measurement, and incentives
- Corporate governance and accounting
- Disclosure regulation, sustainability, and real effects
- Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of accounting, economics, and finance
All methodological approaches are welcome: analytical, archival, experimental, and field-based.
Your responsibilities
The appointment is at 60%. It is a salaried position, not a partial stipend. The program combines the doctoral student's own research with a rigorous international education in accounting research. The first year is devoted primarily to foundational coursework. From the second year, doctoral students develop their own research under close faculty supervision, alongside advanced courses and limited teaching duties, which consist of supporting courses and examinations. The program is academically oriented: it prepares students for faculty positions at leading universities and for research-oriented careers at international organizations. The position is based in an international accounting group whose research includes financial accounting and capital markets, corporate governance, disclosure regulation, and sustainability.
The group comprises Prof. Hui Chen, Prof. David Oesch, Prof. Evgeny Petrov, and Prof. Thomas Rauter, and it continues to grow. Doctoral students are integrated into the group's research from the start and present their work in internal and external seminars.
What the position offers:
- Funding for the duration of the doctorate, with a salary in accordance with the University of Zurich salary scale for doctoral candidates
- Structured doctoral training and close supervision
- Financial support to present research at international conferences
- Place of work in Zurich, with University support for appointees of all nationalities in obtaining Swiss residence and work permits
Your profile
- Required: a Master's degree in accounting, finance, economics, statistics, or a related quantitative field, completed by the start of the position. Candidates who expect to complete their degree by August 2027 are encouraged to apply.
- Required: an outstanding academic record, in particular in quantitative coursework.
- Required: strong spoken and written English. Knowledge of German and a language certificate are not required.
- Optional: GMAT or GRE scores.
- Optional: prior research experience, which is an advantage.
- Prior accounting research knowledge is not required.
Information on your application
Applications should be submitted as a single PDF containing a CV, academic transcripts, and a statement of purpose of at most two pages via the job portal. Candidates should also arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Falko Zapf, PhD program administrator (falko.zapf@business.uzh.ch). Applications and letters of recommendation must be received by January 15, 2027. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to online interviews; all applicants will be informed of the outcome in spring 2027.
Questions about the program may be directed to the PhD program coordinators, Prof. Evgeny Petrov (evgeny.petrov@business.uzh.ch) and Prof. Thomas Rauter (thomas.rauter@business.uzh.ch). Questions about the application process may be directed to Falko Zapf.
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. 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
Department of Business Administration
Plattenstrasse 14, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Thomas Rauter
PhD program coordinator
Contact Form Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
Questions about the application procedure
Falko Zapf
PhD program administrator
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!
Please apply via our job portal jobs.uzh.ch.
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
