PhD Opportunity: PhD Position in Accounting – University of Zurich

PhD Opportunity: PhD Position in Accounting – University of Zurich

• Institution: University of Zurich (UZH)

• Department: Department of Business Administration

• Position: PhD Position in Accounting

• Appointment Type: Fully Funded Doctoral / Predoctoral Position

• Employment Percentage: 60%

• Location: Zurich, Switzerland

• Research Area: Accounting

• Contract Type: Temporary

• Expected Start Date: August 2027

• Salary / Remuneration: Salary according to the University of Zurich salary scale for doctoral candidates; exact amount not specified

• Application Deadline: January 15, 2027

Overview of the Opportunity

The University of Zurich invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Accounting within the Department of Business Administration.

The Accounting Group follows a rigorous, economics-based approach to research. Doctoral students are admitted to the group as a whole rather than being assigned to an individual supervisor from the beginning.

The programme combines structured doctoral training with independent research and is designed to prepare candidates for academic faculty positions and research-oriented careers in international organisations.

Research Areas

Applications are welcomed across all areas of Accounting, including:

• Financial Accounting

• Disclosure

• Capital Markets

• Managerial Accounting

• Performance Measurement

• Incentives

• Corporate Governance

• Accounting and Governance

• Disclosure Regulation

• Sustainability

• Real Effects

• Accounting and Economics

• Accounting and Finance

• Interdisciplinary Accounting Research

All major methodological approaches are welcomed, including:

• Analytical Research

• Archival Research

• Experimental Research

• Field-Based Research

Doctoral Programme Structure

The first year is primarily devoted to foundational doctoral coursework.

From the second year onward, doctoral researchers will:

• Develop their own research agenda.

• Work under close faculty supervision.

• Complete advanced doctoral courses.

• Participate in seminars.

• Present research internally and externally.

• Undertake limited teaching support duties.

Teaching responsibilities mainly involve supporting courses and examinations.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct original doctoral research in Accounting.

• Participate actively in the Accounting Group’s research activities.

• Develop independent research projects.

• Contribute to joint academic research where appropriate.

• Present research in seminars.

• Participate in doctoral coursework.

• Support teaching and examinations on a limited basis.

• Work toward completion of the PhD.

Research Group

The Accounting Group includes:

• Prof. Hui Chen

• Prof. David Oesch

• Prof. Evgeny Petrov

• Prof. Thomas Rauter

Doctoral researchers are integrated into the group’s academic environment from the start of the programme.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• A Master’s degree in:

  • Accounting

  • Finance

  • Economics

  • Statistics

  • Related quantitative field

• Degree completed by the start of the position.

Candidates expecting to complete their Master’s degree by August 2027 are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic performance.

• Strong quantitative coursework.

• Excellent written and spoken English.

Additional Qualifications

The following are optional:

• GMAT scores

• GRE scores

• Prior research experience

Prior knowledge of Accounting research is not required.

German language skills and a language certificate are also not required.

Funding & Employment Conditions

The position provides:

• Funding for the duration of the doctorate.

• A salaried employment contract.

• Salary according to the University of Zurich doctoral salary scale.

• Structured doctoral education.

• Close faculty supervision.

• Financial support for presenting research at international conferences.

• Support for international appointees in obtaining Swiss residence and work permits.

The appointment is listed at 60% employment, and the University explicitly states that this is a salaried position rather than a partial stipend.

Application Checklist

Applicants should submit a single PDF containing:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Academic Transcripts

3. Statement of Purpose

   • Maximum 2 pages

Applicants must also arrange for:

4. Two Letters of Recommendation

The recommendation letters should be sent directly to:

Falko Zapf
PhD Program Administrator
Email: falko.zapf@business.uzh.ch

Both the application and recommendation letters must be received by the deadline.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for:

• Online Interviews

All applicants are expected to be informed about the outcome in Spring 2027.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: January 15, 2027

• Expected Start Date: August 2027

• Selection Outcome: Expected in Spring 2027

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the University of Zurich online recruitment portal.

Official Posting:
https://jobs.uzh.ch/job-vacancies/phd-position-in-accounting/b3235234-813b-4f30-b9e2-7d7a998186dc

Apply Now:
https://ohws.prospective.ch/public/v1/redirect/b3235234-813b-4f30-b9e2-7d7a998186dc/ats/

For academic questions:

Prof. Evgeny Petrov
evgeny.petrov@business.uzh.ch

Prof. Thomas Rauter
thomas.rauter@business.uzh.ch

For application-related questions:

Falko Zapf
falko.zapf@business.uzh.ch

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