PhD-Position in Social Anthropology in the research project “Bildung: Ethnographies of Boundaries and Experiential Epistemologies in Philosophical Practice”

Department of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies (ISEK)

PhD-Position in Social Anthropology in the research project “Bildung: Ethnographies of Boundaries and Experiential Epistemologies in Philosophical Practice” 100 %

Start of employment 01 February 2027 (or by mutual agreement), temporary

At the Chair of Prof. Dr. Johannes Quack.

The successful applicant will join a collegial, dynamic, diverse and internationally oriented team. Our research is ethnographically grounded, theoretically informed and invested in research partnerships with the regions we work in.

About the Project This project uses an ethnographic approach to explore how the desire for a 'good life' and the wish to realise Bildung ideals (understood as a holistic form of self-cultivation) impact the training process and subsequent implementation of skills for 'philosophical practitioners'. Philosophical practitioners organized internationally in the early 1980s in response to critiques of academic philosophy's detachment from daily life. They share the conviction that both modern academic philosophy and religious traditions have failed to fulfil their roles in providing moral and spiritual guidance, and in leading people towards reflective, self-formative lives. Our research examines how the ideal of Bildung is shaped, negotiated and implemented by practitioners within an academic education system that has historically privileged disembodied intellectual discourse over embodied praxis. We also explore how epistemic boundaries and institutional distinctions between philosophical and religious forms of knowledge, authority and practice are established. Presumably our research will be in Norway and Austria.

We offer

An innovative and collaborative academic environment, excellent opportunities for research (including financial support), start-up funds to develop your profile and visibility, financial support for the hosting and attendance of conferences and workshops, strong administrative backing, and a motivated and collegial department and faculty interested in academic exchange.

Terms of employment The position offers attractive working conditions and a salary according to SNSF regulations (80% Position at the University of Zurich). The position is limited to four years.

Your responsibilities

• Planning and realization of a PhD project, including ethnographic fieldwork
• Organizational and administrative tasks in the framework of the project, contribution to the overall aims of the research project by participating in regular meetings and organizing workshops
• Active participation in Department's activities (colloquia; collaboration in media outreach)
• Presentation of research results at workshops and international conferences & Publishing
• Collaboration with institutions and relevant stakeholders
• Contribution to science communication for a non-academic audience.

Your profile

• MA degree in Social Anthropology or related disciplines
• Experience with qualitative methods and ethnographic fieldwork, preferably an emerging publication profile
• Desired, but not necessary are theoretical and empirical interests in the fields of the anthropology of religion, anthropology of ethics, in European societies and philosophy
• High proficiency in English and preferably German
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities
• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with the team
• For the duration of the contract, weekly presence at the Department is expected during the term.

Information on your application

We are looking forward to your application. Please enclose the following documents:

• Cover letter with an indication of your research plans
• Curriculum Vitae
• An electronic copy of your MA Thesis
• Copies of your academic degrees
• Names and contact details of two referees

Please upload your documents in a single PDF file.

Application deadline: 31.10.2026

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

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

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Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

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Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

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International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Location

Department of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies (ISEK)

Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Johannes Quack

Associate Professor

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Questions about the application procedure

Miriam Wohlgemuth

Administrative Assistant

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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!

More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html

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

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! More