项目介绍

2024年9月13日

As part of the strategic focus of the University of Zurich, the interdisciplinary University Research Priority Program (URPP) “Digital Religion(s)” investigates from 2021 to 2032 how current digitalization dynamics influence, shape, and transform religious practices in various social contexts. The research specifically examines how individual and institutional actors communicate religiously in hybrid online-offline formats and assert their public claim to societal orientation.

The cluster “Conspiracy Theories in Online Environments and Their Religious Connotations”, starting on January 1 2025, as one of four sub-areas of the URPP, addresses the impact of digitalization on the dynamics of conspiracy theory communication in digital spaces, as well as the relationship between religion, digitality, and conspiracy theories from religious studies, linguistic, and ethical perspectives.

The project “Exploring the Digital in Conspiracy Theories with Religious Elements” (Project Leads: Dorothea Lüddeckens and Mira Menzfeld), which is part of this cluster, focuses on the question: How are conspiracy theories created and perpetuated (non-)digitally, and what effects do they have on the lives and actions of those who adhere to them?

For this project, we are seeking a PhD candidate who will answer the above question by conducting online and offline field research on a self-selected case. A dissertation project that, in addition to aligning with the project’s thematic focus, also incorporates an Islamic perspective is desirable but not mandatory.

The URPP “Digital Religion(s)” and its “Conspiracy Theories” cluster offer a diverse role within an interdisciplinary research focus of high scientific, political, and societal relevance. You will work with an inspiring network of international researchers from various disciplines.

During your time with us, you will benefit from an attractive workplace in the heart of Zurich, fair compensation, and generous support for professional development, conference travel, and international stays. Within our team, you will have plenty of room and support for your own ideas and their implementation. You will be taken seriously academically, involved in decision-making processes, and actively supported in establishing your academic career. Your work with us will open up career opportunities both within and outside of academia.

The position is limited to four years.

Your responsibilities

• You will have the opportunity to conduct your own research, and achieve a PhD in the field of religious studies.
• As a member of our team, you will share responsibility for carrying out the project “Exploring the Digital in Conspiracy Theories with Religious Elements”, with a particular focus on long-term field research.
• You will collaborate across disciplines with colleagues from other projects within the cluster and participate in activities of the entire URPP consortium.
• Additionally, you will contribute to the publication of the cluster’s results-such as through academic articles, social media presence, and “Science goes public” formats.
• A willingness to support the acquisition of third-party funding, assist in organizing workshops, and actively participate in national and international conferences is expected.

Your profile

• You have an excellent academic degree in Religious Studies.
• You possess knowledge and initial experience in qualitative data collection.
• You are intellectually curious, proactive, goal-oriented, and reliable.
• You are aware of the particular ethical, practical, and personal challenges that arise from conducting re-search with individuals who are skeptical of academic institutions.
• Proficiency in English, and the ability to present and publish in anglophone contexts are required.