IKMZ – Department of Communication and Media Research
Doctoral Position in Strategic Communication (Research and Teaching Assistant, 3-6 Years) 60 %
Start of employment upon agreement, temporary
The IKMZ, with around 80 employees, is one of the largest and most successful communication science institutes in Europe, providing excellent infrastructure for research and teaching, an inspiring academic environment, and excellent employment conditions. The University of Zurich also offers numerous opportunities for further education and diverse interdisciplinary cooperation possibilities.
The research group "Strategic Communication & Media Management" (Prof. Dr. Nadine Strauß) at the Department of Communication and Media Research at the University of Zurich (IKMZ) is seeking to fill a doctoral position. The department offers an outstanding research and teaching environment, a wide range of work areas, and an inspiring intellectual climate.
Your responsibilities
* Conduct high-quality research in the field of strategic communication
* Complete a dissertation in three to six years
* Attend academic conferences and publish in academic journals in the field
* Collaborate in existing projects and develop new projects with members of the team "Strategic Communication & Media Management"
* Research and teach in innovative areas of strategic communication, sustainable/environmental communication, and neighboring areas
* Teach one class per semester relevant to your research interests in our BA programs
* Engage in further academic qualifications
* Handle organizational and administrative tasks
Your profile
* Excellent Master's degree in Communication Science or related areas
* Strong interest in strategic communication and related fields such as organizational communication, corporate communication, public relations, or investor relations
* High affinity towards topics like sustainability, management, strategy, finance, public affairs, or related topics
* Experience with quantitative and qualitative methods and data analysis (e.g., content analysis, surveys, experiments, interviews); first experiences in computational methods
* Good command of R and/or Python
* Strong command of English (spoken and written)
* A scientific and open mindset, careful and reliable working method, capacity for working independently, strong affinity for cooperative collaboration, and excellent time and project management skills
* Willingness to move to Zurich and travel internationally to engage with relevant scientific communities
Information on your application
Please send the following documents through the "Apply-Now-Button" in one PDF file:
* A letter of motivation addressing the match between your profile and the position
* Curriculum Vitae
* 1-2 page outline of a potential dissertation idea that could fit the division's profile
* Copies of transcripts, degrees, relevant certificates
* A full-text example of a representative academic work (e.g., MA thesis, research or term paper)
* Contact details of two academic referees who can speak to your academic qualifications
Deadline for applications is October 31st,
(Online) interviews are planned to take place in the last two weeks of November 2025. The vacancy remains open until a suitable candidate has been found.
The University of Zurich is committed to equality of men and women and diversity and inclusion. It therefore explicitly encourages all qualified individuals to apply for this scientific position.
What we offer
Work-Life Balance
* Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
* Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
Learning and Development
* Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
* Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
Food
* Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
* Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
Healthcare
* Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
* Free seasonal flu vaccinations
* Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
Discounts
* Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
* Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
* Special conditions on hotel reservations
Conditions of Employment
* Policies of the UZH
* Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
International Services
* Support for people from outside Switzerland
Campuses
* Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
* Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
Location
IKMZ – Department of Communication and Media Research
Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Nadine Strauß
Prof. Dr.
Questions about the application procedure
Pinar Tidin-Alpan
HR Officer
Working at UZH
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 currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer