Apply Now: Fully Funded PhD Position in Human Geography at the University of Zurich, Switzerland (2026) @the University of Zurich, Switzerland (2026)

The Department of Geography at the University of Zurich (UZH) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Human Geography as part of a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)-funded research project examining institutional racism, classism, and educational inequality in Switzerland.

The position offers an exciting opportunity for early-career researchers interested in social justice, education, youth studies, and qualitative research.

The doctoral position is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2026, or by mutual agreement, and is offered for a fixed term of four years, consisting of an initial three-year appointment with a possible one-year extension.

About the Research Project

The PhD researcher will contribute to the SNSF-funded project titled:

“Institutional Conditions for Racially and/or Socio-Economically Minoritized Students at Highly Selective Secondary Schools in Switzerland.”

The project addresses a critical issue in education systems across Switzerland and many Western societies: the underrepresentation of racially and socio-economically minoritized students in academically selective secondary schools, known as Gymnasia.

Research indicates that these students often experience institutional discrimination, including racism and classism, which contribute to the reproduction of social inequalities within educational systems.

Led by Dr. Sara Landolt, the project aims to explore how institutional racism and classism operate within highly selective schools and identify strategies that can foster more equitable educational environments.

Key research objectives include:

• Understanding how racism and classism are reproduced within Gymnasia.
• Investigating how these forms of discrimination intersect.
• Identifying successful anti-racism and anti-classism practices already being implemented.
• Examining the experiences of racially and socio-economically minoritized students.
• Supporting schools in creating more inclusive and equitable learning environments.

The study adopts a post-structuralist and process-oriented perspective inspired by the work of Sara Ahmed and other scholars examining institutional discrimination and social justice.

Fully Funded PhD Position in Human Geography at the University of Zurich, Switzerland: Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and play a central role in the implementation of the project.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing and conducting original qualitative research.
• Carrying out fieldwork in German-speaking Switzerland.
• Conducting interviews with school leaders and minoritized students attending Gymnasia.
• Participating in data analysis and collaborative analysis workshops.
• Developing a paper-based doctoral dissertation.
• Contributing to academic publications and practice-oriented outputs.
• Presenting research findings at national and international conferences.
• Participating in project workshops and research activities.
• Supporting teaching activities in Human Geography.
• Contributing to services within the Geography Teacher Training Unit.
• Participating in the Zurich Graduate School in Geography & Earth System Science.

This role provides substantial opportunities for professional development, research training, and academic networking.

Fully Funded PhD Position in Human Geography at the University of Zurich, Switzerland: Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

Academic Qualifications

Candidates must hold, or be close to completing, a Master’s degree in:

• Geography
• Sociology
• Educational Studies
• Youth Studies
• Social Anthropology
• Social Work
• Or a closely related discipline

Research Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong experience in qualitative research methods.
• Interest in issues of inequality, justice, discrimination, and social inclusion.
• A willingness to engage critically with racism, classism, and institutional discrimination.
• Interest in working with young people and conducting fieldwork.

Experience using participatory research methods will be considered an advantage.

Language Requirements

Candidates must possess:

• Excellent German language skills.
• Excellent English language skills.

Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork abilities are also essential.

Fully Funded PhD Position in Human Geography at the University of Zurich, Switzerland: Funding and Benefits

The University of Zurich offers an attractive package of financial and professional support.

Benefits include:

• Full funding through the Swiss National Science Foundation.
• Salary according to SNSF funding scales.
• Dedicated office space and technical equipment.
• Membership in a structured doctoral programme.
• Regular mentoring and academic career support.
• Access to workshops, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

In addition, PhD researchers benefit from UZH’s extensive employee support services, including:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Continuing education opportunities.
• Language training.
• Reduced-price university dining facilities.
• Sports and wellness programmes.
• Health and wellbeing services.
• International relocation support.

Why Study at the University of Zurich?

The University of Zurich is Switzerland’s largest university, with approximately 30,000 students and 10,000 employees.

Researchers benefit from a vibrant international academic environment and access to world-class facilities and networks.

Located in Zurich, one of Europe’s most livable cities, the university offers exceptional quality of life alongside easy access to lakes, mountains, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials as a single PDF file:

• Motivation letter.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Contact information for two referees.
• Academic transcripts.
• Academic writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis).
• A 400–500-word essay explaining:
  • Interest in researching racism and/or classism in education and conceptual approaches to studying these issues; or
  • Interest in conducting research with young people and associated methodological challenges.

Application Deadline

Initial application deadline: 8 July 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by mid-July 2026. Applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

The University of Zurich is committed to equal opportunities and strongly encourages applications from individuals who are underrepresented in academia.

This is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in education, social justice, youth studies, and qualitative research to pursue a fully funded PhD at one of Europe’s leading universities.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding

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