PhD Position in Modern Chinese Studies

University of Zurich Department of Chinese Studies

Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies, Department of Chinese Studies

PhD position “Assistenz” in Modern Chinese Studies 60 %

Start of employment 1 February 2026

The Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies (IAOS), founded in 2013, is the University of Zurich's centre for research and teaching on Asia and the Orient. Bringing together Chinese Studies, Indian Studies, Islamic Studies, Japanese Studies, and Gender Studies within a single institutional structure, the IAOS has established itself as the largest and most comprehensive institution of its kind in Switzerland. With numerous research projects and a wide range of BA, MA, and PhD programmes, the Institute has become a prominent hub in both the national and international academic landscape, while also enhancing the visibility of Asian and Oriental studies in Switzerland more broadly.

Within this framework, the Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies, Department of Chinese Studies, invites applications for a PhD position "Assistenz" (60%). The position is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension.

Your responsibilities

• Development of an independent doctoral research project on modern and contemporary China, with a focus on domestic political institutions, governance, or state-society relations
• Pursue a mixed-methods research design that combines qualitative and quantitative analysis of Chinese-language sources
• Support the research and outreach activities of the Chair of Modern Chinese Studies (Prof. Dr. Jean Christopher Mittelstaedt)
• Assistance with administrative tasks
• Teach two to four hours per semester at BA or MA level
• Participation in departmental activities

Your profile

• MA degree (or equivalent, completed or near completion) in Chinese Studies, political science, or a related discipline with a specialization in modern China
• Demonstrated interest in mixed-methods research; prior training in either quantitative or qualitative methods is an asset
• Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese sufficient to conduct research with primary sources
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Interest in interdisciplinary cooperation and teamwork
• Proficiency in German is an asset but not required

Information on your application

Application

Please send your application in electronic form (as a single PDF file) by 23 November 2025, including:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• Outline of your research interests and proposed doctoral project (2,000–4,000 words)
• One academic writing sample (e.g. MA thesis chapter, seminar paper, or published article; max. 30 pages)
• Academic transcripts providing detailed information on the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date
• Names and contact information of two referees

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews.

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

Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies, Department of Chinese Studies

Zürichbergstrasse 4, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Jean-Christopher Mittelstaedt Professor of Sinology specialising in modern China

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