Senior Assistantship in English Literary Studies

University of Zürich English Department

Senior Assistanthip in English Literary Studies 90 %

Start of employment is 1 August 2026

The English Department of the University of Zurich invites applications for a postdoctoral teaching and research position (Oberassistenz) in the field of English Literary Studies (British, North American and/or New Anglophone Literatures and Cultures) to start on 1 August 2026. This position is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension for a further three years. The position is open to candidates with a completed doctorate who are aiming for a Habilitation (or second book, the formal qualification for a professorship in the Swiss academic system). We offer a position in an internationally renowned, committed and collegial research team, which will support you in your independent research. Workspace is provided at the department and the successful candidate will have access to library services and IT facilities. Furthermore, departmental funding will be available for guest lecture invitations and networking activities.

Your responsibilities

Work on a postdoctoral project (second monograph) as well as other research activities (conferences, publications, applications for external funding, organization of a research colloquium in literature and other academic events); teaching (4 hours per week) and examination work; administrative tasks at departmental level (such as module coordination and teaching planning).

Your profile

We are looking for a member of staff with an outstanding doctorate in the field of English Literary Studies (British, North American and/or New Anglophone Literatures and Cultures) and the aim of qualifying for a professorship. You have a convincing postdoctoral project, experience with publication activities and the organization of academic conferences, as well as academic networking. You are proficient in verbal, written and interpersonal communication in English and have a competence in German or are eager to acquire a working knowledge of German within the first two years. A working knowledge of German is required for the performance of administrative tasks.

Information on your application

Please submit your application with a curriculum vitae, copies of certificates (BA and MA degree, possibly higher teaching degree, doctorate), a writing sample, the names and addresses of at least two references and a description of your research project as an integral PDF document by 30 March 2026.

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

English Department

Plattenstrasse 47, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Isabel Karremann