Deadline: July 8, 2026
Applications are invited for the University of Zurich PhD Position in Human Geography 2026. The Department of Geography at the University of Zurich (GIUZ) invites applications for a fully-funded doctoral position in Human Geography to contribute to the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project ‘Institutional conditions for racially and/or socio-economically minoritized students at highly selective secondary schools in Switzerland’. The post is for a fixed term of four years, with an initial appointment of three years and a one-year extension.
About the Project
Racially and/or socio-economically minoritized students are underrepresented at state-funded, academically highly selective secondary schools in Switzerland, as in many Western societies, due to a reproduction of social inequality through the education systems. Evidence from the little international research conducted thus far indicates that minoritized students attending such schools are subject to institutional discrimination, including racism and classism. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of institutional racism, classism, and their intersection and of practices for preventing and combating racism and classism at Gymnasia in German-speaking Switzerland from a post-structuralist processual perspective.
This aim encompasses various objectives, such as:
- uncover the logic behind the reproduction of classism, racism, their intersection, and resistance to these phenomena at Gymnasia;
- identify successful practices that are already being implemented in Gymnasia to deal with racism and classism;
- understand the effects of institutional discrimination on minoritized students and how they tackle it;
- share their experiences with headteachers of Gymnasia to foster a school environment that is free from racism and classism.
Responsibilities
- In collaboration with the PI of the project you will develop and carry out the project outlined above, conduct original fieldwork (qualitative interviews with headteachers and with racially and/or socio-economically minoritized students of Gymnasia in German-speaking Switzerland), data analysis (including participative data analysis workshops) and complete a doctoral dissertation (paper based dissertation).
- You will participate actively in project activities, including workshops, and international conferences, and contribute to academic and practice-oriented publications emerging from the project.
- You will contribute to teaching in the field Human Geography and to services in the Geography Teacher Training unit (GTT) at GIUZ.
- You will participate in the Zurich Graduate School in Geography & Earth System Science.
Benefits
- You will work in a stimulating and supportive research environment and be part of an SNSF research project.
- You will receive regular mentoring and support in pursuing your academic career.
- You are part of a structured doctoral program.
- You will get paid according to the salary scale of the Swiss National Science Foundation.
- You will get a personal workplace with technical equipment.
- You will be able to profit from the lively, culturally diverse and inspiring institute and campus environment, from the attractive working conditions and the manifold opportunities for further education at UZH. With around 30,000 students and 10,000 employees, UZH is the largest university in Switzerland.
- You will be able to enjoy the excellent living environment of Zurich and its surroundings that offer a broad range of cultural activities and easy access to lakes, countryside and mountains.
Eligibility
- You hold a Master’s degree or are about to complete a Master’s degree in geography, sociology, educational studies, youth studies, social anthropology, social work or in a closely related field.
- You have demonstrated substantial experience in qualitative research and a strong interest in questions on (in)equality and justice. Experience with participative methods is an advantage.
- You enjoy fieldwork and are interested in the views of young people.
- You are motivated to engage critically with questions of (in)equality, justice, and institutional discrimination.
- You bring strong communication and teamwork skills.
- You speak and write German and English fluently.
Application
To apply, please upload the following documents (as a single PDF file) in English with the button “Apply now” below:
- A motivation letter, explaining why you are applying for this PhD position, and how you fulfil the criteria listed above.
- Your Curriculum Vitae.
- The contact details for two referees.
- The transcripts of your academic degrees (bachelor, master, or equivalent).
- A sample of your writing that provides insight into your previous academic work (e.g., your MSc thesis)
- An essay of 400 to 500 words in English, in which you outline your interest in the research project. In particular, please explain (a) why you are interested in researching classism and/or racism in education and how you intend to approach these issues conceptually, or (b) why you are interested in doing research with young people and what methodological challenges this may entail.
The initial deadline for applications is July 8th, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by mid-July. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
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