Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich
Zürich
12 hours ago
PhD Candidate 80-100% Science Didactics
- 27 May 2026
- 80 – 100%
- Permanent position
- Zürich
Job summary
Join the Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich as a doctoral student! Work on innovative education research in a collaborative environment.
Tasks
- Conduct a dissertation project on science teaching methods.
- Develop and validate a performance test for grades 3-6 science education.
- Analyze data from a national sample of students in primary education.
Skills
- Master's degree related to science education; teaching experience preferred.
- Knowledge of science education theories and research.
- Proficiency in German and English, both at a publication level.
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About the job
from 1 September 2026, limited to four years
The Zurich University of Teacher Education actively shapes education, school and teaching of today and tomorrow in teaching and research. The theoretical and methodological advancement of the subject discourse is a central concern of the research group "Science Didactics". Research focuses are practical work, especially experimenting and the associated knowledge acquisition in science teaching, as well as aspects of teacher professionalisation.
Within the framework of the SNSF-funded project "Progression in Scientific Modi Operandi (PriSMO). Improving Science Teaching and Learning with an Empirical Learning Progression", which is carried out in cooperation with the University of Teacher Education Thurgau, a PhD position is to be filled at the Zurich University of Teacher Education. The project investigates how scientific working methods can be gradually developed in primary school (grades 3 to 6) and how empirically based learning and teaching sequences can be derived from this.
As a PhD candidate, you will participate in the collection, preparation and analysis of data and develop a personal dissertation project on a specific aspect of the project. You will pursue your doctoral studies at the Zurich University of Teacher Education, enrol at the University of Teacher Education Schwäbisch Gmünd and be supervised by Prof. Dr Markus Emden (PH Zurich). The salary is based on the SNSF salary scales for doctoral candidates.
- Design and implementation of a doctoral project
- Developing and further developing a performance test for science-related working methods in cycle 2 (grades 3-6)
- Development and content validation of a learning progression with science didactics experts at home and abroad
- Data collection and analysis in a national sample of learners in cycle 2 (grades 3-6)
- Development of practical teaching impulses for the practical implementation of the learning progression
- National and international scientific presentations and publications
- Master's degree entitling to a doctorate, preferably with a science didactics focus
- Knowledge of relevant science didactics theories
- Experience with empirical-quantitative research methods
- Interest and willingness to engage with national and international research literature
- Independent working style as well as pronounced team and organisational skills
- Teaching experience at primary school level in cycle 2 (grades 3-6) is an advantage
- Very good German and English skills at publication level
- A multi-year opportunity to develop yourself scientifically and through research in a subject area
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with experienced researchers as well as excellent development and qualification opportunities
- Individual supervision and support for your dissertation project
- Collegial exchange within the PhD network of PH Zurich
- Research project with high scientific visibility
- Integration into a nationwide research and transfer network (SWiSE)
The PH Zurich offers you more than a dynamic university environment, mobile working and a centrally located workplace at Zurich main station with good employment conditions. What defines us can be found here .
Please submit your complete application dossier by 14 June 2026 exclusively via our online application platform. We prefer direct applications and ask for your understanding that we do not consider personnel agencies or email applications.
Prof. Dr Markus Emden
