Research and Teaching Assistant

Immigration Policy Lab; Zürich; On-site; CHF 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transport benefits

Car sharing

ASVZ sports

Job summary

ETH Zurich is seeking a Research and Teaching Assistant (100%, fixed-term) to support the Chair of Global Security. You will prepare courses, manage the online environment, grade, and assist with research activities.

Requirements include a Master’s in Political Science/IR, strong English, and familiarity with qualitative/quantitative methods. German is a plus. A two-year fixed-term appointment offers active engagement with global security research.

Qualifications

• You hold a Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations or a related discipline and knowledge of international politics and global security.
• You have excellent written and spoken English; German is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the Chair’s courses each semester and manage the online learning environment.
• Assist with grading and, if needed, represent the Chair on the departmental Teaching Committee.
• Support research for teaching and projects, including literature research, data collection/management, and preparing presentations.

Skills

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

English proficiency

IT skills

Education

Master's in Political Science/IR

Job description

Research and Teaching Assistant

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The newly established Chair of Global Security, held by Prof. Annette Idler, is part of the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS) at ETH Zurich. The Chair examines global security, especially in relation to armed conflicts, the global illicit economy, transitions from war to peace, and the interconnections between local conflict dynamics and global shifts in order and power. Its mixed-methods research programme integrates macro-level theory with detailed, contextualised fieldwork across world regions, combines qualitative, quantitative, and computational approaches, and bridges the social sciences with complexity science and other disciplines. The Chair’s international research group engages closely with international organisations, governments, and civil society. From 2029, Prof. Idler will additionally assume the Directorship of the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich.

The Chair holder, Prof. Annette Idler, is seeking to appoint, as soon as possible or by agreement, a research and teaching assistant (100%).

Job description

You will prepare the Chair’s courses each semester, manage the online learning environment for the Chair’s courses and help with grading. You may be asked to represent the Chair on the departmental Teaching Committee. You will also support Prof. Idler with research for teaching and research projects – including literature and background research, data collection and management, editorial support and preparing presentations – and maintain the Chair’s teaching records.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations or a related discipline, with specialist knowledge of international politics and global security, and are familiar with the relevant research institutes and publication outlets. You have an excellent command of written and spoken English; knowledge of German is an advantage. Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, a high degree of independence and very good IT skills round off your profile.
• This position is an ideal entry point after completing a university degree and is fixed-term for about two years. You can look forward to varied and challenging work in a stimulating and motivating environment at a world-leading university. You will work closely with Prof. Idler, gain insight into teaching and research at a newly established chair at ETH Zurich and engage with a wide range of global security issues. There is also scope to develop a small independent research project of your own, for example towards a PhD proposal.

We offer

• Ihr Beruf mit Wirkung: Werden Sie Teil der ETH Zürich, die nicht nur Ihre berufliche Entwicklung unterstützt, sondern auch aktiv zu positiven Veränderungen in der Gesellschaft beiträgt
• Es erwarten Sie zahlreiche Vergünstigungen, wie z.B. ÖV-Abonnemente und Car Sharing, ein breites Sportangebot des ASVZ, Kinderbetreuung sowie attraktive Vorsorgeleistungen

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.

The application deadline is 15th November 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.