PhD Position in Accounting

University of Zurich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Funding for doctorate

Structured training

Conference travel funding

Residence/work permit support

Job summary

The University of Zurich invites applications for a 60% doctoral position in accounting research. The program combines the doctoral student’s own research with rigorous international coursework, with the first year focused on foundational courses and the second year on independent research under faculty supervision.

Based in Zurich, the international accounting group conducts research on financial accounting, capital markets, governance, and sustainability, and supports conference travel and

Qualifications

• Master's degree must be completed by start date.
• Outstanding academic record in quantitative coursework.
• Strong spoken and written English (German not required).
• GMAT or GRE scores are optional.
• Prior research experience is optional; prior accounting research knowledge is not required.

Responsibilities

• The program combines the doctoral student’s own research with rigorous international education in accounting research.
• First year focuses on foundational coursework; from year two, students develop their own research under close faculty supervision.
• Limited teaching duties; support for courses and examinations.
• Present research in internal and external seminars.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in accounting/finance/economics

Job description

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!

Your responsibilities

The appointment is at 60%. It is a salaried position, not a partial stipend. The program combines the doctoral student's own research with a rigorous international education in accounting research. The first year is devoted primarily to foundational coursework. From the second year, doctoral students develop their own research under close faculty supervision, alongside advanced courses and limited teaching duties, which consist of supporting courses and examinations. The program is academically oriented: it prepares students for faculty positions at leading universities and for research-oriented careers at international organizations. The position is based in an international accounting group whose research includes financial accounting and capital markets, corporate governance, disclosure regulation, and sustainability. The group comprises Prof. Hui Chen, Prof. David Oesch, Prof. Evgeny Petrov, and Prof. Thomas Rauter, and it continues to grow. Doctoral students are integrated into the group's research from the start and present their work in internal and external seminars.

What the position offers

• Funding for the duration of the doctorate, with a salary in accordance with the University of Zurich salary scale for doctoral candidates
• Structured doctoral training and close supervision
• Financial support to present research at international conferences
• Place of work in Zurich, with University support for appointees of all nationalities in obtaining Swiss residence and work permits

Your profile

• Required: a Master's degree in accounting, finance, economics, statistics, or a related quantitative field, completed by the start of the position. Candidates who expect to complete their degree by August 2027 are encouraged to apply.
• Required: an outstanding academic record, in particular in quantitative coursework.
• Required: strong spoken and written English. Knowledge of German and a language certificate are not required.
• Optional: GMAT or GRE scores.
• Optional: prior research experience, which is an advantage.
• Prior accounting research knowledge is not required.

Falko Zapf
PhD program administrator
[e-mail]