University of Zurich 
Zürich Oerlikon, Switzerland Offer Summary
The University of Zurich invites applications for a PhD Candidate in Sociology position at the Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development. This part-time role, with an 80% FTE, begins in February 2027 or by arrangement. The successful candidate will conduct independent research on how digital and physical social spaces influence youth socialization, focusing on inequalities and biopsychosocial perspectives. Responsibilities include developing an article-based doctoral dissertation, analyzing longitudinal and spatial data using R or Python, and co-supervising students. Applicants require a Master’s degree in sociology, strong quantitative skills, and proficiency in German and English. The university offers flexible working models, childcare support, reduced cafeteria prices, healthcare benefits, and access to continuing education courses within Switzerland's largest university.
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Project Description
Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development
PhD Candidate in Sociology 80 %
Start of employment February 2027 or by arrangement, temporary
Professor Robin Samuel's research group at the Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development and the Department of Sociology at the University of Zurich investigates how the interplay between digital and physical social spaces shapes how young people grow up. Its research focuses on social inequalities, everyday socialization processes, and their role for the development of children and adolescents, while integrating a biopsychosocial perspective.
Your responsibilities
- Develop and pursue independent research questions as part of an article-based doctoral dissertation comprising three empirical papers.
- Contribute to the design, implementation and analysis of a longitudinal study supplemented by diary, geo-spatial and experimental data.
- Conduct additional analyses of secondary data.
- Apply and further develop quantitative analytical methods in collaboration with an experienced postdoctoral researcher.
- Present and publish research findings and contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration at the Jacobs Center.
- Co-supervise Bachelor's and Master's theses in sociology.
Your profile
- A Master's degree in sociology or a related social science discipline by the start of employment.
- Strong interest in sociological questions concerning socialization, childhood and adolescence, social inequalities, and digital and physical living environments.
- Very good quantitative methodological skills and experience with R or Python; knowledge of longitudinal analysis is an advantage.
- Interest in deepening your expertise in advanced quantitative methods, especially longitudinal, experimental and spatial analyses.
- Very good academic communication skills in German and English.
- An independent, analytical and meticulous working style, and enjoyment of interdisciplinary collaboration and academic exchange.
Information on your application
Please submit your application as a single PDF file containing the following documents:
(1) A motivation letter (maximum two pages) outlining your research interests, motivation to pursue a PhD, and fit with the research group. In particular, explain how you would contribute to Professor Robin Samuel's research agenda through your own research questions, theoretical perspectives and methodological skills.
(2) An academic CV detailing your education, previous research experience, quantitative methods and software skills, any publications and conference contributions, and the names and contact details of two to three academic referees.
(3) Degree certificates and transcripts for your Bachelor's and Master's studies. If your Master's degree is not yet complete, please submit a current transcript.
(4) Two academic writing samples (e.g., a Master's thesis, academic publications, manuscripts or seminar papers). For co-authored work, please briefly indicate your contribution.
What we offer
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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
Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development
Binzmühlestrasse 14, 8173 Neerach, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Robin Samuel
Prof. Dr., Head of Research Group "Socialization and Transitions" at the Jacobs Center
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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
