Thomas Friemel

University of Zurich (UZH) is advertising a 4-year postdoctoral position at the Institute for Communication and Media Research (IKMZ) in the research group of Prof. Thomas Friemel . The position is embedded in the SNSF/NCCR Children & Cancer programme and focuses on media use , media effects , and health-related communication among children, adolescents, and parents . The project examines how different media are used by key stakeholders and how this relates to treatment success and personal wellbeing. The ad highlights a social-scientific profile and welcomes applicants from communication science as well as related fields such as (health) psychology and public health . The work includes collaboration with other projects in the national research context, publishing in leading journals, presenting at international conferences, and research transfer to stakeholders and society. Methodologically, the group values innovative research designs and methods, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches, data donation, and dynamic network data analysis. The post is based at UZH in Zurich and offers a strong research environment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and excellent employment conditions. Eligibility highlights: PhD in communication science or a directly relevant adjacent field; strong publication record; excellent methodological competence; ability to work independently and in a team; very good German and English. German is especially important because the project involves interaction with children, caregivers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. Application: submit a single PDF with motivation letter, CV with certificates, and three scientific publications via the UZH application portal. Review starts on 2026-05-01 and the position remains open until filled.

University of Zurich (UZH) is advertising a PhD / doctoral researcher position at the Chair for Science Communication within the Department of Communication and Media Research (IKMZ) . The position is embedded in the new Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research NCCR Children & Cancer and focuses on health communication , especially communication related to children and cancer . The role is a strong fit for candidates with a background in communication science or a closely related social science. The team is looking for someone with a strong interest in health communication and solid expertise in quantitative and/or computational methods . The work includes surveys, survey experiments, and/or computational analyses of news media and social media, along with publication writing and conference presentations. Eligibility highlights include an MA or equivalent degree , excellent English, and very good command of German or French . The post also emphasizes the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a rigorous empirical research environment. The appointment is 80% for 3.5 years , paid according to the cantonal salary scheme. It offers a stimulating and supportive research environment, close mentoring, excellent PhD training, and the opportunity to contribute to one of Switzerland’s major long-term research initiatives. The application deadline is 2026-07-01 , and the position is expected to start around September 2026 . Applicants should submit a motivation letter, CV with degree/transcript copies, and an MA thesis or another academic writing sample via the application portal. Supervision and collaboration are associated with Mike S. Schäfer and the wider NCCR/IKMZ team, including Thomas Friemel, Sara Rubinelli, Meg Jing Z., and Sophie Lelorain.