Post Doc in Human Geography
University of Zurich Department of Geography
Switzerland
Department of Geography
PhD position or a post-Doc position in Human Geography / Geographies of Education
This project focuses on educational transitions to Gymnasium at the crossroads of increasing marketization of education and equality of opportunity through a case study in the City of Zurich. Drawing on qualitative methods, the research team will study the actors in this highly competitive educational environment, which is experiencing an unprecedented boom involving the learning programs of schools, profit-oriented private supplementary learning providers, and private non-profit initiatives. The target groups of our research in Zurich are young people at the two thresholds to Gymnasium and their parents, representatives of educational institutions and politics, private entrepreneurs, and people running nonprofit initiatives. We take a particular interest in the perspectives and experiences of young people (12-16 ys.) in this field.
Applicants are expected to hold an excellent master's degree in human geography, social or educational studies or any other relevant discipline. You have already some experience in qualitative research methods. We expect high ambitions for presenting and publishing internationally. Consequently, proficiency in German and English is an essential requirement.
Post-doc position:
The successful candidate is expected to hold an excellent PhD degree in human geography, or any other related social science discipline. Applicants have expertise in qualitative research methods (e.g. ethnographic research).
The PhD position is for four years.
The Post-doc position for ca. 3.5 years.
The salary is commensurate with the regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation. Funding for project-related fieldwork and conference visits are available.
The postdoc position may be filled from June/July 2021 or as agreed upon.
PhD position or a post-Doc position in Human Geography / Geographies of Education
PhD 60 %
Post-doc 60-65 %
The successful applicant will be part of the SNF-research project on the topic Young people's transition to Gymnasium and the role of private and public supplementary learning programs led by Sara Landolt and Itta Bauer.
This project focuses on educational transitions to Gymnasium at the crossroads of increasing marketization of education and equality of opportunity through a case study in the City of Zurich. Drawing on qualitative methods, the research team will study the actors in this highly competitive educational environment, which is experiencing an unprecedented boom involving the learning programs of schools, profit-oriented private supplementary learning providers, and private non-profit initiatives. The target groups of our research in Zurich are young people at the two thresholds to Gymnasium and their parents, representatives of educational institutions and politics, private entrepreneurs, and people running nonprofit initiatives. We take a particular interest in the perspectives and experiences of young people (12-16 ys.) in this field.
Your responsibilities
PhD position:
We are looking for a candidate who seeks to pursue a PhD in the context of this research project. Each team member will be responsible for his/her own distinct work package entailing a number of ethnographic case studies. The empirical data gathered within the team will contribute to a shared data base. Applicants with an interest in critical social theories (including children's and young people's geographies, youth studies, feminist, post-colonial and social justice perspectives) are particularly encouraged to apply.
Your main tasks include designing and realizing your own PhD project, contributing to our teaching program and participating in our regular research-related team activities, as well as carrying out limited administrative duties.
Post-doc position:
As a post-doc researcher, you may join the team after the official project start (January 2021), e.g. from mid-2021 onwards. Your tasks include organizing and conducting empirical fieldwork (interviews with experts and ethnography with young people), analyzing data and publishing results in international peer-reviewed journals in individual and team papers and participating in our regular research-related activities. Concerning teaching, you will be involved in one or two courses per year. Proficiency in German and English is an essential requirement for the post.
Your main tasks include designing and realizing your own PhD project, contributing to our teaching program and participating in our regular research-related team activities, as well as carrying out limited administrative duties.
Post-doc position:
As a post-doc researcher, you may join the team after the official project start (January 2021), e.g. from mid-2021 onwards. Your tasks include organizing and conducting empirical fieldwork (interviews with experts and ethnography with young people), analyzing data and publishing results in international peer-reviewed journals in individual and team papers and participating in our regular research-related activities. Concerning teaching, you will be involved in one or two courses per year. Proficiency in German and English is an essential requirement for the post.
Your profile
PhD position:Applicants are expected to hold an excellent master's degree in human geography, social or educational studies or any other relevant discipline. You have already some experience in qualitative research methods. We expect high ambitions for presenting and publishing internationally. Consequently, proficiency in German and English is an essential requirement.
Post-doc position:
The successful candidate is expected to hold an excellent PhD degree in human geography, or any other related social science discipline. Applicants have expertise in qualitative research methods (e.g. ethnographic research).
What we offer
We offer a stimulating and supportive work environment that provides plenty of opportunities to develop an academic career. As a PhD student, you will join the Graduate School of the Department of Geography which offers you great opportunities to interact and exchange with other PhD students. Diversity and inclusion are important and matter to us.The PhD position is for four years.
The Post-doc position for ca. 3.5 years.
The salary is commensurate with the regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation. Funding for project-related fieldwork and conference visits are available.
Place of work
Department of Geography, Campus Irchel, University of ZurichStart of employment
Starting date is as soon as possible for PhD position.The postdoc position may be filled from June/July 2021 or as agreed upon.
Further information
If you are interested, please submit a letter of application as well as names and contact details of two possible referees, your curriculum vitae, copies of relevant diplomas, a writing sample (e.g. your master thesis). Master theses can be sent in a separate file.
An abstract of the SNF-proposal is available upon request via e-mail.
Please direct informal inquiries to Sara Landolt or Itta Bauer
Apply now
In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com
