PhD Position in Sociology
University of Zurich
Switzerland
Institution: University of Zurich (UZH), Department of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies (ISEK)
Project: Horizons Project SOCIAL – Sociology of Authoritarian Law: Insights from Central Asia
Position Type: Full-time, temporary (36 months)
Start Date: 1 August 2026
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
Number of Positions: 2
Research Focus
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DC16: Rural governance in Qazaqstan – local governance practices, democratization, ethnographic fieldwork
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DC17: Governance in Mongolia – rural civic participation, traditional authority, institutional adaptation
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Emphasis on law–society–governance dynamics under authoritarian regimes
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Fieldwork and two secondments abroad (one academic, one non-academic, 2–6 months each)
Responsibilities
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Conduct independent research aligned with SOCIAL project goals
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Undertake extensive fieldwork in Central Asia
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Participate in training events, workshops, and conferences
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Contribute to departmental activities and collaborate with international supervisors
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Develop transferable skills bridging academia and policy
Qualifications
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MA in anthropology or related discipline
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Less than four years of full-time equivalent research experience post-MA
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Strong academic record and ethnographic fieldwork experience (preferably mixed methods)
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High proficiency in English
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Knowledge of Russian, Mongolian, and/or Qazaq essential for fieldwork
Application Materials
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Cover letter (max 1,000 words)
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Curriculum vitae
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MA thesis (and optional additional work)
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Copies of degrees
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Contact information for 2 references
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Research plan (up to 3,000 words, excluding references) including purpose, research questions, theoretical framework, and methodology
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Statement on Swiss residence/mobility (certifying no more than 12 months in Switzerland in the last 3 years)
Benefits
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Competitive salary with financial support for fieldwork, publications, and conferences
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Access to Swiss Graduate Program in Anthropology
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Flexible work arrangements, childcare options, continuing education, language courses
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Sports facilities, subsidized meals, transportation and accommodation discounts
Location: Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
Contact:
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Chair: Peter Finke – +41 (0)44 635 22 33
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Admin assistant: Miriam Wohlgemuth – +41 (0)44 635 22 12
In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com
