Institute of Education

Professorship in the Foundations of Education and Educational Theory 100 %

Start of employment 1 August 2028

The University of Zurich invites applications for a professorship in the foundations of education and educational theory starting on 1 August 2028. The professorship is based at the Institute of Education of the University of Zurich.

The successful candidate must have an excellent, internationally visible research profile in the foundations of education and/or educational theory, as well as teaching experience. We are seeking a broadly qualified individual in the field of educational sciences. Candidates are expected to be familiar with the development of educational theory, the philosophy of education, and the ethics of education. In teaching, they will also be expected to contribute to the core curriculum in educational science at Bachelor's, Master's and PhD level. In addition to providing innovative research impulses for the field, the successful candidate is to collaborate in research and teaching with other professorships at the Institute of Education, within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and with institutions in Switzerland and abroad. Required qualifications include a clearly discernible, internationally visible research programme, the systematic integration of educational theory and empirical research, a track record of competitive third-party funding acquisition as principal applicant (SNSF, DFG, ERC or comparable schemes) commensurate with career stage, documented interdisciplinary collaboration, a demonstrated commitment to knowledge transfer and public outreach, excellent research and publication achievements, international visibility and networking, teaching competence (including a commitment to developing teaching), leader-ship and management skills, and experience in supervising PhD candidates. Desirable qualifications include the ability to effectively combine different theoretical and methodological approaches, leadership and management experience appropriate to the career stage, and active networking with philosophy, the social and political sciences, psychology, or research on digitalisation and AI.

Candidates must hold a doctorate in the relevant field at the time of application, and a habilitation or equivalent achievements. Teaching is conducted in German and English; the administrative language of the University of Zurich is German. Candidates who do not speak German are expected to acquire a working knowledge of German within the first three years of their appointment. The Institute of Education, the University of Zurich, and Zurich as an academic location offer a stimulating environment for research and teaching with many opportunities for academic exchange and collaboration. The University of Zurich is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity in research and teaching. Therefore, applications from candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged.

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026. Access to the online application system and further in-formation can be found at the website of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Further information may be obtained from Prof. Dr. Christian Ydesen.

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

More Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

MoreFood

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

MoreHealthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

MoreDiscounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
• Special conditions on hotel reservations

More Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

MoreInternational Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

MoreCampuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Location

Institute of Education

Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Christian Ydesen

Questions about the application procedure

Prof. Dr. Christian Ydesen Contact Form

Contact question to: Prof. Dr. Christian Ydesen

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The University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, Switzerland's largest university provides an inspiring working environment at the vanguard of research and education. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
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Working at UZH

The University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, Switzerland's largest university provides an inspiring working environment at the vanguard of research and education. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More