Join the University of Zurich
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 12 professional apprenticeship streams, the University provides an inspiring working environment focused on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us and discover more about UZH as an employer!
Your Responsibilities
The PhD student will support all aspects of the collaborative research project throughout its three-year duration. Responsibilities include:
- Adapting and deploying the existing open-source prototype of the translation tool designed for simple language.
- Accompanying and supporting its use by our practice partners in real-world settings.
- Designing, conducting, and evaluating field experiments to test the tool's effectiveness in improving benefit uptake.
- Contributing to academic publications that disseminate the project's findings.
- Participating in public dissemination of results through workshops and outreach events.
- Managing stakeholder relationships and coordinating regularly with various practice partners.
The PhD student will also be actively involved in the research teams of Dr. Gabriel and Prof. Donnay, with dedicated workspaces provided at both institutes. Additionally, the student will supervise research assistants supporting the broader project. While there is no teaching requirement for this position, opportunities for compensated teaching assignments at the BA level may arise based on departmental needs.
Your Profile
- A strong personal motivation to use digital tools to address real-world social challenges, focusing on improving people's lives.
- A completed (or soon-to-be completed) master's degree in political science, social science, or social work, with a solid foundation in data science strongly encouraged.
- A keen interest in applied social research, particularly in social policy, inequality, digitalization, and public administration.
- Proven quantitative research and data science skills, including:
- Programming in Python,
- Data analysis in R or Python,
- Designing and conducting field experiments.
- Familiarity with or interest in AI tools, natural language processing, or plain language communication is a significant asset.
- A good understanding of public administrations, welfare states, and the issue of non-take-up of social benefits.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary and cross-institutional teams.
- Strong command of both German and English.
- A mindset characterized by creativity, open-mindedness, and curiosity.
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Contact Information
Susanne Arlt
Personalverantwortliche
044 634 39 19
personal@ipz.uzh.ch