PhD Researcher on Refugee Immigration / PhD Researcher on Refugee Immigration
Universität Zürich - April 28, 2025
The University of Zurich: Exciting Career Opportunities
As Switzerland's largest university, the University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions across various subject areas and professional fields. With approximately 10,000 employees and a diverse array of 12 professional apprenticeship streams, UZH provides an inspiring working environment that fosters cutting-edge research and top-tier education. Join us and put your talent and skills to work!
Your Responsibilities
We are currently seeking a PhD candidate with a strong interest in media and political representation of refugee immigration in Japan, particularly focusing on frame analysis. This research project aims to explore agenda-setting and immigration framing in public and political debate in Japan from 1975 to 2025, as well as the implications on immigration policy. The project's objectives include:
Examining shifts between different immigration frames (e.g., national identity, international reputation, public security, economic growth) over five decades.
Analyzing the interconnections between media framing and political framing (in policy proposals, diet debates, etc.).
Investigating how the interaction of these frames influences agenda-setting processes and immigration policymaking, either facilitating or hindering immigration reforms.
The PhD position includes the following responsibilities:
Collaborating in the development and implementation of the research project with team members, including Prof. David Chiavacci and Prof. Tobias Weiss (Sophia University, Tokyo).
Developing and executing a PhD project that explores agenda-setting and framing of refugee immigration in Japan, guided by your own research interests within the collaborative framework.
Your Profile
Excellent Master's degree in social science research focusing on Japan.
Strong background in social science research methods.
Proficient in both Japanese and English.
Experience in frame analysis or content analysis is advantageous, but not mandatory.
Previous studies and good knowledge of immigration to Japan are a plus but not required.
What We Offer
Employment at 80% until the end of September 2029.
Salary in accordance with SNSF guidelines (gross annual salary starting at approximately 50,000 CHF).
Opportunity to develop and realize your own PhD research project.
Generous funding for fieldwork in Japan.
A collaborative and stimulating work environment with excellent infrastructure, housed within a small and highly motivated team.
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.