Postdoctoral Position in Science, Technology and Society (STS)

ETH Zurich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transport benefits

Car sharing

ASVZ sports

Childcare

Pension benefits

Job summary

ETH Zürich invites applications for a Post-doctoral researcher in Science, Technology and Society (STS) within the Ethics, Technology and Society group (D-GESS). The 100% Zurich-based position is fixed-term for two years with possible extension and paid according to ETH salary scales.

The successful candidate will have completed a PhD by January 2027 (or within the last two years), with a focus on STS or related fields, and a strong track record in qualitative methods, teaching and

Qualifications

• PhD completed by January 2027 or within the last 2 years in STS or related field.
• Strong record in qualitative methods and cross-national perspectives.
• Experience in teaching at MA/Bachelor level or higher.
• Proficiency in English and at least one of French or German.

Responsibilities

• Perform qualitative STS research within the project States of Anxiety: Expertise and Activism in Digital and Ecological Environments.
• Contribute to publications in international journals, including co-authored papers.
• Engage with ETH Public Policy School, university, civil society and wider publics.
• Participate in group events and support organizational tasks (meetings, event planning).
• Collaborate with professors, students and researchers in the D-GESS department and ETH Zürich.
• Co-/develop and co-teach MA and Bachelor level courses in the Science in Perspective Program.

Skills

PhD by Jan 2027 or within last 2 years

STS background

Qualitative methods

Teaching experience

English + French or German

Education

PhD in STS or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Position in Science, Technology and Society (STS)

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Ethics, Technology and Society research group in the department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS), led by Prof. Dr. Margarita Boenig-Liptsin, is inviting applications for a Post-doctoral researcher in Science, Technology and Society (STS).

The fulltime position is limited to two years, with possibility of extension, and is paid according to the fixed salary rates of ETH Zurich. This position is intended for researchers who have completed their PhD in January 2027 at the latest or within the last 2 years.

Research in the Ethics, Technology and Society group is on the mutual interplay of science, technology and society using frameworks and methods from Science, Technology & Society (STS), history, philosophy, anthropology, critical theory, and the arts. We privilege interpretive, qualitative methods that combine situated ethnographic detail with deep knowledge of cultural and political contexts and histories, ideally in a cross-national comparative perspective. You can learn more about the research of the group on its website.

Project background

The successful candidate for the Post-doctoral researcher position is expected to develop empirical research (ethnographic field work, document and policy analysis, historical research) with youth, parent and guardian groups who move to understand and respond to the impacts of digital technologies on children and young adults in Switzerland and Europe. The candidate will develop their research within the framework of the SNSF-funded research project States of Anxiety: Expertise and Activism in Digital and Ecological Environments. The candidate will work closely with the PI and Senior Scientific Assistant to develop the project’s framework, empirical sites, and contribute to its deliverables.

We are in particular looking for candidates who have interest and experience with STS and humanities pedagogy, and cross-cutting analysis between environmental and digital domains. We are also interested in candidates who value engaging publicly on topics of the ethical, social, and political aspects of science and technology, within the university, in communities of the city and canton of Zurich, and in dialogue with diverse social actors.

Job description

• Perform qualitative social science (STS) research in the above-mentioned area in fulfillment of the research project, States of Anxiety: Expertise and Activism in Digital and Ecological Environments
• Work towards publications in recognized international journals, including co-authored papers with other group members
• Engage on topics of ethical, social, and political aspects of digital technologies within the ETH Public Policy School, the university, Zürich civil society, activist groups, and wider publics
• Participate regularly in the events of the Ethics, Technology and Society research group and support the work of the group, including the organization of meetings, project maintenance, planning of project events, workshops, conferences
• Actively engage with professors, students, and researchers at the D-GESS department, ETH Zürich, and in the Swiss and international STS community
• (Co-)Develop and (co)-teach MA level and Bachelor level courses in the Science in Perspective Program , in accordance with project outputs

Profile

Essential experience, skills and characteristics:

• Completed PhD latest by January 2027 or have completed within the last 2 years a dissertation in Science, Technology and Society (STS) or a related field, e.g. History and/or Philosophy of Science and/or Technology, Anthropology, Geography, Law, (Qualitative) Policy Studies, Innovation Studies, Sociology, Political Science. Interested candidates with a PhD in engineering or science who have extensive training and research experience in STS are also encouraged to apply
• A distinct research profile in STS or related fields that is demonstrated through publications and/or teaching in areas relevant to the project
• Interest and experience in STS and humanities pedagogy and in science-society interfaces
• Broad knowledge of the topics, theories and methods of STS
• Proficiency in English, and in French or German

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge of co-productionist and comparative approaches in STS
• International experience
• Strong inclination to work in a team-oriented environment

We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

Further information about the Professorship for Ethics, Technology and Society can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Gabriel Dorthe, [e-mail] (no applications).

Applications are due on Monday, December 7, 2026.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting‑edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.