Publisher
source

University of Zurich

PhD Position in Social Anthropology on Bildung, Ethnographies of Boundaries, and Philosophical Practice University of Zurich in Switzerland

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Education

Funding

80% PhD position at the University of Zurich with salary according to SNSF regulations; includes financial support for research, start-up funds, and support for conferences and workshops.

Deadline

Oct 31, 2026

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Country

Switzerland

University

University of Zurich

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Keywords

Education
Anthropology
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Ethnography
Qualitative Method
Religious Anthropology

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About this position

PhD position in Social Anthropology at the University of Zurich (Department of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies, ISEK) in the research project “Bildung: Ethnographies of Boundaries and Experiential Epistemologies in Philosophical Practice”.

The project uses ethnographic and theoretically informed approaches to study how ideals of Bildung, self-cultivation, and the “good life” shape the training and practice of philosophical practitioners. It also examines epistemic boundaries between philosophical and religious forms of knowledge, authority, and practice. The post is embedded in an internationally oriented research team and is expected to involve fieldwork, workshops, conferences, and science communication.

Location: Department of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies (ISEK), University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland. The project notes that research will presumably take place in Norway and Austria.

Funding: 80% position with salary according to SNSF regulations. The offer includes financial support for research, start-up funds, and support for hosting/attending conferences and workshops.

Eligibility highlights: MA degree in Social Anthropology or a related discipline; experience with qualitative methods and ethnographic fieldwork; preferably an emerging publication profile; strong English, preferably German; good organizational and communication skills; ability to work independently and in a team.

Application deadline: 31 October 2026. Applicants should submit a single PDF with a cover letter including research plans, CV, MA thesis, copies of academic degrees, and contact details of two referees.

Funding details

80% PhD position at the University of Zurich with salary according to SNSF regulations; includes financial support for research, start-up funds, and support for conferences and workshops.

What's required

MA degree in Social Anthropology or a related discipline; experience with qualitative methods and ethnographic fieldwork; preferably an emerging publication profile; theoretical and empirical interests in anthropology of religion, anthropology of ethics, European societies, and philosophy are desired but not required; high proficiency in English and preferably German; excellent organizational and communication abilities; ability to work independently and collaboratively; weekly presence at the department during the contract period.

How to apply

Prepare a single PDF containing a cover letter with research plans, CV, electronic copy of MA thesis, copies of academic degrees, and names/contact details of two referees. Upload the documents via the application portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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