PhD Candidate / PhD Candidate

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The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a variety of attractive positions across diverse subject areas and professional fields. With approximately 10,000 employees and a broad selection of professional apprenticeship streams, the University provides an inspiring working environment rooted in cutting-edge research and top-tier education. Bring your talent and skills to our dynamic team!

Your Responsibilities

If selected for the position, the doctoral candidate will join the research team at the Department of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies, led by Prof. Peter Finke, who will serve as the principal supervisor. Candidates will receive ample time, guidance, and resources to develop their individual research, aligned with the overall aims of the MINARET project.

Doctoral candidates admitted to the program are required to:

• Conduct extensive fieldwork.
• Undertake two secondments abroad, one in an academic setting and one in a non-academic context, lasting between two to six months.
• Participate in training events, workshops, and conferences organized by the MINARET Doctoral Network.
• Collaborate with international supervisors and peers.

Through partnerships with universities, civil society organizations, think tanks, public institutions, and development agencies, doctoral candidates will gain firsthand experience of legal, political, and governance transformations in post-imperial Muslim-majority societies. This will equip them with the skills necessary for successful careers in academia, policymaking, international organizations, and both public and private sectors.

Additionally, candidates are expected to contribute to departmental activities and should possess strong motivation, the ability to work independently under pressure, as well as excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Your Profile

Applicants should hold an MA in anthropology or a related discipline, supplemented by a strong academic record and experience in ethnographic fieldwork. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is essential. Knowledge of local languages relevant to the chosen field site(s) is crucial for successful fieldwork.

Please note that doctoral candidates must not have been awarded a doctoral degree and/or completed more than four years of full-time equivalent research experience. Furthermore, candidates must not have resided or conducted their primary activities (i.e., work or studies) in the hosting country for over 12 months in the three years immediately prior to the recruitment date.

To apply for this opportunity, apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.