University of Zurich 
Zurich, Switzerland Offer Summary
The University of Zurich invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within the Economics of Children and Families at the Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development. This full-time role begins on September 1, 2027, or upon agreement, with an initial two-year contract renewable for one additional year. The successful candidate must hold a PhD in Economics and will contribute to interdisciplinary research focused on youth development, potentially collaborating on Ana Costa-Ramón’s ERC-funded SAFECHILD project regarding bullying and online risks. German language proficiency is not required. The department offers competitive terms, generous research support, and benefits including flexible working models, childcare support, and access to university facilities. Applications, due by December 15, 2026, should include a cover letter, CV, job market paper, and references submitted as a single PDF.
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Project Description
Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development
Postdoctoral Researcher in the Economics of Children and Families 100 %
Start of employment 1 September or upon agreement, temporary
The Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development is a scientific center at the University of Zurich focused on youth development. The Center is a joint venture between the University of Zurich and the Jacobs Foundation.
How do children reach their full potential? This is the central question that guides our work. We are dedicated to interdisciplinary, collaborative, developmental research that is relevant for our society and will ultimately improve the lives of young people. Our researchers come from the fields of economics, psychology, and sociology.
The Department of Economics and the Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development at the University of Zurich are seeking to fill a Postdoctoral position starting at the latest in the Fall of 2027.
Your responsibilities
The research focus of the position is on topics broadly related to the economics of children and families. The researcher will have the opportunity to be involved in Ana Costa-Ramón's research agenda, funded by the PI's European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant “SAFECHILD: Safeguarding Childhood: Bullying, Online Risks, and Human Capital Formation.”
Your profile
Knowledge of German is not a requirement. Applicants should have a PhD degree in Economics before taking up the position. The appointment is initially for a two-year contract, which can be renewed for one additional year.
Information on your application
The Department of Economics and the Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development offer an exciting research environment, competitive terms and conditions, and generous research support. Diversity and inclusion are important to us.
Please submit your application as a single PDF file containing the following documents:
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Job market paper
• Other material (optional)
• Recommenders: 2
Application deadline: 15 Dececember 2026
Interviews will be conducted remotely by video starting January, 2027
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
Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development
Schönberggasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Ana Costa-Ramón
Assistant Professor of Economics of Child and Youth Development
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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
