The Department of Geography at the University of Zurich (GIUZ) is recruiting a single PhD researcher in Human Geography, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The position sits within the project “Institutional conditions for racially and/or socio-economically minoritised students at highly selective secondary schools in Switzerland,” supervised by Principal Investigator Dr Sara Landolt.
This is a fully-funded role: you’ll earn a salary based on the SNSF scale, get your own equipped workplace, and join a structured doctoral programme with mentoring and academic career support. The appointment runs for four years, an initial three-year contract with a possible one-year extension, and begins on 1 October 2026.
For African scholars with a strong qualitative research background and a genuine interest in equality and justice, this is a rare chance to do funded, fieldwork-driven research in one of Europe’s leading geography departments. Note carefully, though, that fluency in both German and English is required, so language readiness is non-negotiable for this particular post.
Scholarship benefits
- Fully funded PhD position for four years (three-year appointment with a possible one-year extension)
- Salary according to the SNSF salary scale
- A personal workplace with technical equipment
- A structured doctoral programme with mentoring and academic career support
- Membership of the Zurich Graduate School in Geography & Earth System Science
- Opportunity to contribute to teaching in Human Geography and the Geography Teacher Training unit (GTT)
Eligibility checklist
✔ Hold (or be about to complete) a Master’s degree in geography, sociology, educational studies, youth studies, social anthropology, social work, or a closely related field
✔ Have substantial qualitative research experience
✔ Show a strong interest in questions of (in)equality and justice
✔ Be fluent in both German and English
✔ Demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills
✔ Experience with participative methods is an advantage (not mandatory)
Application tips for African students
- Be honest about the language bar. This post requires fluency in German and English. If your German isn’t yet at a working level, build evidence of it (certificates, prior study, work) before applying, as the fieldwork involves interviews in German-speaking Switzerland.
- Tailor your 400–500-word essay. The selection rests heavily on this short essay about your interest in the project. Read the project description closely and connect your own qualitative experience to its focus on minoritised students and selective secondary schools.
- Pick a strong writing sample. Your MSc thesis or a comparable piece should showcase real qualitative analysis interviews, coding, or participative methods rather than just a literature review.
- Line up your two referees early. Choose academics who supervised your research and can speak to your fieldwork skills, and give them several weeks’ notice plus the project details.
- Get transcripts ready and, if needed, translated. Have your bachelor’s and master’s transcripts certified, and arrange certified English or German translations early so they don’t delay your single-PDF submission.
- Assemble one clean PDF. Everything must go into a single English-language PDF motivation letter, CV, referee contacts, transcripts, writing sample, and essay. Build it well ahead of the 8 July 2026 deadline.
- Apply early. Shortlisting happens in mid-July, and the position stays open until filled. Applying promptly improves your odds.
How to apply
Submit a single PDF in English to Dr Sara Landolt containing a motivation letter, your CV, contact details for two referees, academic transcripts (bachelor’s/master’s or equivalent), a writing sample such as your MSc thesis, and a 400–500-word essay outlining your interest in the research project. The deadline is 8 July 2026, shortlisted candidates are notified in mid-July, and the position remains open until filled. Apply through the official University of Zurich jobs portal: University of Zurich PhD in Human Geography vacancy.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this PhD position?
International applicants who hold (or are about to complete) a Master’s degree in geography, sociology, educational studies, youth studies, social anthropology, social work, or a closely related field, and who have substantial qualitative research experience.
Is the position fully funded?
Yes. It is fully funded with a salary set by the SNSF salary scale, plus a personal equipped workplace and a structured doctoral programme with mentoring and career support.
What are the language requirements?
Fluency in both German and English is required. The application PDF is submitted in English, but the fieldwork involves interviews in German-speaking Switzerland.
How long is the PhD and when does it start?
The position lasts four years — an initial three-year appointment with a possible one-year extension — and starts on 1 October 2026.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 8 July 2026. Shortlisted candidates are notified in mid-July, and the position remains open until filled.
What does the research involve?
You’ll carry out original qualitative fieldwork interviews with headteachers and racially and/or socio-economically minoritised students at Gymnasia in German-speaking Switzerland — analyse the data, including participative workshops, write a paper-based dissertation, and contribute to teaching in Human Geography and the Geography Teacher Training unit.