Professorship for Evolutionary Anthropology and Primatology

Location: Faculty of Science, Professorships · Posted: 2026-01-13 · Closes: 2036-01-11 · Reference: 9834134

Department of Evolutionary Anthropology (IEA)

We are seeking candidates in the field of Comparative Evolutionary Anthropology and Primatology for the Irene Staehelin Endowed Professorship at the University of Zurich. This position focuses on the evolutionary foundations of gender-based inequality and violence, combining comparative research on social hierarchies, reproductive strategies, and dominance behaviors in non-human primates and other taxa with broader analyses of how such patterns evolve and persist in primate societies. The successful candidate will bridge biological, behavioral, and cultural data to understand the emergence of gendered power structures across taxa and ecological contexts. While strongly rooted in evolutionary anthropology and primatology, the position also invites dialogue with disciplines examining the historical role of institutions, including religion, in shaping gendered social dynamics.

The successful candidate must be an established researcher in their field of evolutionary anthropology and primatology with a proven track record in terms of research output, acquisition of third-party funding, and teaching and mentoring. The future professor is expected to strengthen the scientific impact and societal role of the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology (IEA). The professorship will be substantially integrated into the three existing biology curricula within the Faculty of Science at the University of Zurich. It is expected to regularly offer core and elective courses-ranging from foundational lectures to advanced seminars and intensive block courses- covering key topics in comparative evolutionary anthropology, primatology, and the biological and cultural evolution of gender relations. Emphasis will be placed on methodologically rigorous and interdisciplinary teaching formats, particularly in behavioral research, reproductive and evolutionary biology, and the socioecology of power. The position will also contribute to programs in other faculties, especially in religious and gender studies, with the potential to co-develop cross-faculty teaching modules on gender, power, and evolution.

UZH sees researchers as modern leaders who conduct excellent research - taking into account the Open Science principles - through their own research projects as well as the promotion of excellent junior researchers, and who help to shape a future-oriented University with innovative research-based teaching. Situated in the open-minded and family-friendly city of Zurich, which combines the vibrant cultural scene in a modern European city with the convenient accessibility to its beautiful natural surroundings, UZH is well integrated in the city's community and research environment. UZH provides generous research support, including dedicated funds for personnel, running expenses, and competitive start-up packages. Additionally, the successful applicant is expected to acquire external research funding. Zurich's scientific environment encompasses a rich spectrum of diverse activities. The employment conditions for this position follow UZH's legal regulations and include part-time options. UZH is an equal-opportunities employer, and the Faculty of Science, in particular, strives to increase the percentage of women and underrepresented groups in leading positions. Therefore, qualified female researchers are particularly encouraged to apply. Care-time interruptions are considered during the evaluation of applicants of all genders.

Applicants are kindly invited to submit their applications, which should include:

Please note that page limitations do not include references. The evaluation processes at UZH and its Faculty of Science follow the DORA recommendations for assessing research quality and impact. Applicants are thus asked to refrain from referring to non-personal measures such as impact factors.

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Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Prof. Dr. Michael Krützen Head of Department IEA

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Working at UZH The University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, Switzerland's largest university provides an inspiring working environment at the vanguard of research and education. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More → https: // www. uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html

The University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, Switzerland's largest university provides an inspiring working environment at the vanguard of research and education. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More