PhD Candidate in Sociology

Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development

PhD Candidate in Sociology 80 %

Start of employment February 2027 or by arrangement, temporary

Professor Robin Samuel's research group at the Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development and the Department of Sociology at the University of Zurich investigates how the interplay between digital and physical social spaces shapes how young people grow up. Its research focuses on social inequalities, everyday socialization processes, and their role for the development of children and adolescents, while integrating a biopsychosocial perspective.

Your responsibilities

• Develop and pursue independent research questions as part of an article-based doctoral dissertation comprising three empirical papers.
• Contribute to the design, implementation and analysis of a longitudinal study supplemented by diary, geo-spatial and experimental data.
• Conduct additional analyses of secondary data.
• Apply and further develop quantitative analytical methods in collaboration with an experienced postdoctoral researcher.
• Present and publish research findings and contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration at the Jacobs Center.
• Co-supervise Bachelor's and Master's theses in sociology.

Your profile

• A Master's degree in sociology or a related social science discipline by the start of employment.
• Strong interest in sociological questions concerning socialization, childhood and adolescence, social inequalities, and digital and physical living environments.
• Very good quantitative methodological skills and experience with R or Python; knowledge of longitudinal analysis is an advantage.
• Interest in deepening your expertise in advanced quantitative methods, especially longitudinal, experimental and spatial analyses.
• Very good academic communication skills in German and English.
• An independent, analytical and meticulous working style, and enjoyment of interdisciplinary collaboration and academic exchange.

Information on your

Please submit your application as a single PDF file containing the following documents: (1) A motivation letter (maximum two pages) outlining your research interests, motivation to pursue a PhD, and fit with the research group. In particular, explain how you would contribute to Professor Robin Samuel's research agenda through your own research questions, theoretical perspectives and methodological skills. (2) An academic CV detailing your education, previous research experience, quantitative methods and software skills, any publications and conference contributions, and the names and contact details of two to three academic referees. (3) Degree certificates and transcripts for your Bachelor's and Master's studies. If your Master's degree is not yet complete, please submit a current transcript. (4) Two academic writing samples (e.g., a Master's thesis, academic publications, manuscripts or seminar papers). For co-authored work, please briefly indicate your contribution.

Location

Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development

Binzmühlestrasse 14, 8173 Neerach, Switzerland

Further information

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

Working at UZH

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