PhD in Societal Digitalization

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!

With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting‑edge research and top‑class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!

We are seeking a PhD student dedicated to mixed methods research, combining quantitative and qualitative methods.

• Designing and conducting empirical research on the interdependence between humans and AI in diverse work settings.
• Contributing to a longitudinal mixed-methods study combining surveys, interviews and follow-up assessments across different stages of working life.
• Co‑leading a comprehensive time‑use diary study that explores how hybrid augmentation redistributes time, attention and social responsibilities.
• Conducting organizational case studies across different industries to examine how hybrid intelligence reshapes workflows, team collaboration and authority.
• Supporting outreach and engagement activities (e.g., presentations, workshops, public‑facing summaries).

In this role, you get to engage in all phases of the research process, from conceptualization, study design, data collection, data analysis, reporting, scientific publishing, and dissemination.

In addition, you will be developing your independent PhD research project aligned with the broader programme and contributing to first‑authored publications.

• A proactive, collaborative, and creative mindset.
• Master's degree (or close to completion) in social science or an adjacent area, such as Sociology, Organisation Studies, Communication, or Media Studies.
• Good quantitative skills and either experience in qualitative research or a willingness to develop expertise in qualitative methodologies.
• Willingness to engage with theoretical and empirical literature in depth.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken. Excellent German language skills, both written and spoken.