PostDoc für Modern Chinese Studies

University of Zurich Department of Chinese Studies

Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies, Department of Chinese Studies

PostDoc ("Oberassistenz") Modern Chinese Studies 80 %

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 IAOS seeks to appoint a postdoctoral fellow (Oberassistenz) in Modern Chinese Studies, based in the Chair of Modern Chinese Studies (Prof. Dr. Jean Christopher Mittelstaedt).

Your responsibilities

As PostDoc at the department, you will:

• Develop an independent research project on modern and contemporary Chinese politics, with an emphasis on domestic politics and openness to its connections with China's foreign policy. Possible areas include political economy, science and technology governance, and institutional change within Party and state structures
• Teach two 2-hour courses per semester at BA or MA level
• Contribute to the organisation of workshops and conferences, as well as to academic self-governance and administrative work
• Actively participate in research colloquiums and in the broader activities of the Department and the Institute

Your profile

• PhD in the social sciences or related disciplines, with a specialization on modern China
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative methods (experience with computational text analysis is desirable), with an interest in combining them with qualitative or mixed-methods approaches
• Sufficient proficiency in Mandarin Chinese to conduct independent research with Chinese-language sources
• Teaching experience
• Strong organisational and administrative skills

The position is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension. We offer an intellectually stimulating environment with opportunities for collaboration within the Chair of Modern Chinese Studies, the Institute, and the broader University of Zurich research community.

Information on your application

The following documents are required:

• Current curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages)
• A cover letter outlining how you meet the qualifications for the position
• Research statement (max. 2 pages)
• Teaching statement (max. 2 pages)
• Writing sample (dissertation chapter, conference paper, published article, or other paper) of no longer than 30 pages that showcases your research ability and method skills
• Names and contact information for two academic referees (referees will only be contacted for shortlisted candidates)

Application deadline: 23 November 2025

Interviews with short-listed candidates will take place in the week commencing 8th December 2025.

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