PhD position “Assistenz” in Modern Chinese Studies (60 %)
Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies, Department of Chinese Studies, University of Zurich
Start of employment: February 1, 2026
Application deadline: November 23, 2025
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