Research and Teaching Assistant

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chevron_left Übersicht

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.

Workplace

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

chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Cover letter
• CV
• degree certificates and transcripts
• Up to two writing samples (if available)

The application deadline is 15th November 2026.

Further information about the Chair of Global Security can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to globalsecurity@ethz.ch (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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.