Applications are open for the Scholarship in University of Zurich (Fully Funded). This is a four year opportunity.

Are you interested in pursuing a fully funded PhD in Switzerland while conducting impactful research on education, inequality, and social justice? The Department of Geography at the University of Zurich (UZH) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD Position in Human Geography. This four-year doctoral opportunity is part of a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) research project focused on understanding and addressing institutional racism and classism in highly selective secondary schools in Switzerland. Program Overview

• Host Country: Switzerland
• Host Institution: University of Zurich
• Department: Geography (GIUZ)
• Program Level: PhD
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Duration: 4 Years
• Employment Rate: 80%
• Start Date: October 1, 2026 (or by agreement)
• Application Deadline: July 8, 2026

About the Research Project

The successful candidate will join the SNSF-funded project:

“Institutional Conditions for Racially and/or Socio-Economically Minoritized Students at Highly Selective Secondary Schools in Switzerland.”

The project explores how racism, classism, and social inequalities affect students attending academically selective secondary schools. Researchers will investigate institutional discrimination, identify successful inclusion practices, and contribute to creating more equitable educational environments across German-speaking Switzerland. Benefits

Selected candidates will receive:

• Full funding for the doctoral position
• Salary according to Swiss National Science Foundation standards
• Personal workspace and technical equipment
• Structured doctoral training and mentoring
• Participation in international conferences and workshops
• Opportunities to publish academic research
• Membership in the Zurich Graduate School in Geography & Earth System Science
• Access to one of Europe’s leading research environments
• Opportunity to live and study in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest academic and economic hub

Responsibilities

The PhD candidate will:

• Conduct qualitative interviews and fieldwork
• Work with students and school leaders across Switzerland
• Analyze research data and facilitate participatory workshops
• Complete a doctoral dissertation
• Publish research findings
• Participate in project workshops and conferences
• Support teaching activities in Human Geography
• Contribute to the Geography Teacher Training Unit (GTT)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Hold or be close to completing a Master’s degree in Geography, Sociology, Educational Studies, Social Anthropology, Social Work, Youth Studies, or a related field
• Have experience with qualitative research methods
• Demonstrate interest in social justice, inequality, discrimination, and education
• Enjoy fieldwork and engagement with young people
• Possess strong communication and teamwork skills
• Be fluent in both German and English (written and spoken)

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents as a single PDF file:

• Motivation Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Contact details of two referees
• Academic transcripts
• Sample of academic writing (e.g., Master’s thesis)
• A 400–500-word essay discussing:
  • Interest in researching racism and/or classism in education, or
  • Interest in conducting research with young people and related methodological challenges

Selection Timeline

• Application Deadline: July 8, 2026
• Shortlisted applicants notified: Mid-July 2026
• Applications may continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

Why Apply?

This fully funded PhD position offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct meaningful research on social inequality and education while earning a doctorate from one of Europe’s leading universities. Participants will receive financial support, academic mentoring, international exposure, and access to a world-class research network in Switzerland.