University of Zurich Updates Professorial Appointment Procedures for Faculty of Philosophy and Beyond

Zurich, Switzerland — The University of Zurich (UZH) continues to uphold a structured and transparent process for appointing professors, including within the Faculty of Philosophy. These procedures ensure fairness and excellence in recruiting academic leaders in both research and teaching.

Structured Appointment Process

UZH’s professorial appointment process involves clear steps to guide candidates and faculty. The system is designed to provide transparency, outlining the roles of faculty, appointment committees, and university leadership. Key stages include:

• Advertising open professorships across departments, from philosophy to social sciences.
• Evaluating applications based on academic credentials, research achievements, teaching quality, and leadership potential.
• Public lectures and interviews for shortlisted candidates, along with structured assessments of teaching and leadership skills.
• Creating a ranked shortlist for final recommendation to university leadership.

Evaluation and Standards

Candidates are assessed holistically, balancing research excellence with teaching performance, community engagement, and leadership capabilities. The university emphasizes fair and multidimensional review practices, avoiding over-reliance on simple metrics such as journal impact factors.

Final Selection and Appointment

Selected candidates undergo negotiation covering employment terms, research budgets, and dual-career support. The Faculty of Philosophy regularly updates searches for roles such as chairs in political philosophy and related fields.

Commitment to Excellence and Diversity

UZH’s appointment procedures reflect its commitment to academic quality, diversity, and transparency. By maintaining structured, fair, and inclusive processes, the university continues to attract top international talent and strengthen its research and teaching missions across disciplines.