The University of Zurich Research Priority Program (URPP) «Equality of Opportunity» is an interdisciplinary research consortium studying economic and social changes that lead ti inequality in society, the consequences of such inequalities, and public policies that foster greater equalitiy of opportunity.
In the context of the URPP «Equality of Opportunity», the research group led by Prof. Matthieu Leimgruber (History Department), which focuses on historical investigations of wealth concentration is hiring a postdoctoral researcher to start in summer (or early fall) of 2026.
The contract has a fixed term of 24 months, with a 80% workload and pay according to UZH wage category 18/03 (see www.staff.uzh.ch).
Key responsibilities
- Conducting an individual research project in the field of historical wealth concentration and inequality, with a focus on the period after 1800 in the Swiss/European context.
- Contribution to the development of the URPP «wealth research group» (e.g. participation to collective publication projects, data collection, co-supervision of MA theses)
- Participation to the URPP consortium meetings and research events.
Your profile
- PhD degree in a field relevant for the UZH «wealth» research group: in particular (but not exclusively) social and economic history and/or economic sociology.
- Prior experience in mixed methods (qualitative/quantitative) and source-based historical research (verified e.g. by publications and/or project).
- International research outlook and understanding of interdisciplinary research.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills, team spirit, and a cooperative mindset.
- Excellent knowledge of English. Reading/speaking knowledge of Swiss national languages (e.g. German and/or French) will be a plus, as most sources used so far by the research group have been in these languages.
What we offer
- Opportunities for professional development and in a vibrant interdisciplinary research consortium.
- A creative and motivating working environment for shaping and expanding your academic profile.
Application
For any questions, you may contact Prof. Matthieu Leimgruber (matthieu.leimgruber@uzh.ch).
Please send by April 30 2026 your application dossier (including a short motivation letter, a CV, academic transcripts, a list of publications, two names of persons we could contact to ask for reference, and a provisional project outline of no more than 1000 words) via email to silvia.rodriguez@hist.uzh.ch . All documents should be submitted in a single PDF file. Interviews will be conducted online/in person subsequently.
The UZH promotes professional equality between women and men and is committed to reconciling work and family life. Women are particularly encouraged to apply. The UZH is strongly committed to non- discriminatory selection practices and encourages applications from individuals who will make our institution even more diverse.
