项目介绍

2026年8月12日

The English Department of the University of Zurich invites applications for a PhD Assistant to start on 1 February 2027 at the Chair for English Literature (Prof. Dr. Barbara Straumann). This postgraduate position is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension for up to three years. The position is open to candidates with a completed MA who are aiming for a PhD in English Literature. We offer an attractive, collaborative work environment with good infrastructure in an international, stimulating environment in central Zurich with full access to library services and IT facilities. You will be allocated a workspace in the department; the university’s regulations allow staff to work from home for up to 40% of their weekly employment time.

Your responsibilities

Individual work on a PhD project and related research activities such as conference papers, publications and applications for external funding; independent teaching (two hours per week at BA level) as well as support in research projects and administrative tasks at the Chair.

Your profile

We are looking for a member of staff with an outstanding MA degree in the field of English Literature and promising ideas for a PhD project that intersects with (some of) the Chair’s main research areas, i.e. English Literature since 1800, especially the long nineteenth century and its afterlife, gender studies, economic criticism, intermediality and film. You will be well versed in literary history and critical theory, have didactic skills and enjoy working in a team. You will be 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.

Information on your application

Please submit your application in a single PDF document that includes a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, degree certificates, the names and addresses of at least two references, a 3-4 page description of a possible PhD project and a writing sample (ideally a chapter from your MA thesis) by 18 September 2026.