Professorship for Evolutionary Anthropology and Primatology — Universität Zürich
- Location
- Zürich
- Contract
- Full-time
- Posted
- 289 days ago
Full description
Department of Evolutionary Anthropology (IEA) We are seeking candidates in the field of Comparative Evolutionary Anthropology and Primatology for the Irene Staehelin Endowed Professorship at the University of Zurich. This position focuses on the evolutionary foundations of gender-based inequality and violence, combining comparative research on social hierarchies, reproductive strategies, and dominance behaviors in non-human primates and other taxa with broader analyses of how such patterns evolve and persist in primate societies. The successful candidate will bridge biological, behavioral, and cultural data to understand the emergence of gendered power structures across taxa and ecological contexts. While strongly rooted in evolutionary anthropology and primatology, the position also invites dialogue with disciplines examining the historical role of institutions, including religion, in shaping gendered social dynamics.
Duties
The successful candidate must be an established researcher in their field of evolutionary anthropology and primatology with a proven track record in terms of research output, acquisition of third-party funding, and teaching and mentoring. The future professor is expected to strengthen the scientific impact and societal role of the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology (IEA). The professorship will be substantially integrated into the three existing biology curricula within the Faculty of Science at the University of Zurich. It is expected to regularly offer core and elective courses-ranging from foundational lectures to advanced seminars and intensive block courses-covering key topics in comparative evolutionary anthropology, primatology, and the biological and cultural evolution of gender relations. Emphasis will be placed on methodologically rigorous and interdisciplinary teaching formats, particularly in behavioral research, reproductive and evolutionary biology, and the socioecology of power. The position will also contribute to programs in other faculties, especially in religious and gender studies, with the potential to co-develop cross-faculty teaching modules on gender, power, and evolution.
Profile
UZH sees researchers as modern leaders who conduct excellent research - taking into account the Open Science principles - through their own research projects as well as the promotion of excellent junior researchers, and who help to shape a future-oriented University with innovative research-based teaching. Situated in the open-minded and family-friendly city of Zurich, which combines the vibrant cultural scene in a modern European city with the convenient accessibility to its beautiful natural surroundings, UZH is well integrated in the city's community and research environment. UZH provides generous research support, including dedicated funds for personnel, running expenses, and competitive start-up packages. Additionally, the successful applicant is expected to acquire external research funding. Zurich's scientific environment encompasses a rich spectrum of diverse activities. The employment conditions for this position follow UZH's legal regulations and include part-time options. UZH is an equal-opportunities employer, and the Faculty of Science, in particular, strives to increase the percentage of women and underrepresented groups in leading positions. Therefore, qualified female researchers are particularly encouraged to apply. Care-time interruptions are considered during the evaluation of applicants of all genders.
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
Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
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 → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
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
Questions about this listing
What salary does Universität Zürich offer for this role?
The original listing does not state a salary. Our estimate for this role and sector in Zürich is CHF 91'500 - 128'000 gross per year — an estimate, not a figure communicated by Universität Zürich. The calculator on this site converts a gross salary into your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does Universität Zürich offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with Universität Zürich during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Zürich?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Zürich can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Zürich's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at Universität Zürich?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to Universität Zürich's original listing at jobs.uzh.ch, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.