Research Assistant «ZuReach» 30-40%
Universität Zürich
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Digital Society Initiative
Research Assistant «ZuReach» 30 - 40 %
Start of employment March 2026, temporary
For our participatory, DIZH-funded project, titled «ZuReach: Zurich Urban Reachability & Accessibility Enhancement
through Digital Technology» we are hiring a Research Assistant (30–40%) on a fixed-term, 8-month contract. The project
is part of the DIZH-funded research project «SISAL: Situation-Aware Individualized Spatial Accessibility Analytics» and
continues the work of «ZuriACT: Zurich Accessible CiTy» project, both managed by Dr. Hoda Allahbakhshi. ZuReach will be
a collaborative effort involving the University of Zurich, ZHAW, the City of Zurich, and various public and private
stakeholders.
In our participatory project, we aim to contribute to the collection and enrichment of sidewalk accessibility
information in the city of Zurich - and possibly Winterthur - using web-based digital tools that enable virtual
inspections and measurements of accessibility features (e.g., curbs, surfaces, and crosswalks). Our goal is to
investigate how accessible these cities are for individuals with mobility impairments or restrictions. Ultimately, we
seek to optimize and personalize access to key destinations for people with mobility impairments by leveraging detailed
spatial accessibility data. Additionally, we aim to explore how enriched accessibility data can be utilized in
real-world applications to benefit these population groups.
Your responsibilities
Tasks related to the execution and analysis of the ZuReach project will include, but are not limited to:
- participating in the design, planning, and implementation of data collection protocols, online and paper-based
questionnaires, and focus group discussions
- developing materials in German and English (flyers, data collection protocols, project description, participants'
consent form, scientific reports, meeting minutes, etc.)
- contributing to participant recruitment and scheduling - Recruit adults from various backgrounds (e.g., the
community at large, university students) using several sources (social media, mailing, email, in-person, flyers)
- training and instructing the participants in data collection
- if needed, on-site data collection in the city of Zurich and Winterthur
- doing research on data quality assessment and helping with verifying and analyzing the collected datasets
- if needed, applying AI and digital methods for image processing to extract accessibility features (width,
smoothness, etc.)
- collaborating with researchers, public organizations, and other institutions
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and open-minded researcher with a passion for science and an independent,
efficient, organized, and effective work style, with the following profile:
- A completed bachelor's degree in Geography, GIScience, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
- A strong background in quantitative data analysis, statistical analysis, computational modeling, and programming
(e.g., Python, SQL, R) is a prerequisite.
- Knowledge of qualitative study design and data analysis.
- Knowledge of spatial data storage and databases.
- Ideally, the candidate also has experience in machine learning/deep learning, image processing, and spatial data
analysis.
- Excellent social skills. Ability to work with diverse groups of people and be helpful, respectful, approachable, and
team-oriented.
- Previous experience in interdisciplinary projects is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated high attention to detail. Strong organizational skills.
- Excellent written and spoken German AND English communication skills are mandatory. Knowledge of other Swiss
national languages (Italian and French) is a plus.
- A Swiss residency permit is mandatory.
Information on your application
The position is part-time (30-40%) with start from March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and a duration of
maximum 8 months. Work place is at the premises of the Digital Society Initiative (Rämistrasse 69, 8001 Zurich), or
Department of Geography (Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich), University of Zürich.
Please send your complete application documents via the link below including:
1) A cover letter emphasizing motivation to apply (max. 1 A4 page)
2) A curriculum vitae
The screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. (First deadline:
January 28, 2026, 17:00).
Applications from women and underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More
What we offer
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
More Learning and Development
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
More Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
More Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
More Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
More Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
More International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
More Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
More
Location
Digital Society Initiative
Rämistrasse 69, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Hoda AllahbakhshiResearch group leader Contact Form
Contact question to: Hoda Allahbakhshi
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *I accept the privacy policySend Thank you for your message. We will get
back to you shortly.
Questions about the application procedure
Gabriele ProhaskaHR assistant DSI Contact Form
Contact question to: Gabriele Prohaska
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *Ich akzeptiere hiermit die DatenschutzerklärungSend Thank you for your
message. We will get back to you shortly. Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via the link below.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
Research Assistant «ZuReach» 30 - 40 %
Start of employment March 2026, temporary
For our participatory, DIZH-funded project, titled «ZuReach: Zurich Urban Reachability & Accessibility Enhancement
through Digital Technology» we are hiring a Research Assistant (30–40%) on a fixed-term, 8-month contract. The project
is part of the DIZH-funded research project «SISAL: Situation-Aware Individualized Spatial Accessibility Analytics» and
continues the work of «ZuriACT: Zurich Accessible CiTy» project, both managed by Dr. Hoda Allahbakhshi. ZuReach will be
a collaborative effort involving the University of Zurich, ZHAW, the City of Zurich, and various public and private
stakeholders.
In our participatory project, we aim to contribute to the collection and enrichment of sidewalk accessibility
information in the city of Zurich - and possibly Winterthur - using web-based digital tools that enable virtual
inspections and measurements of accessibility features (e.g., curbs, surfaces, and crosswalks). Our goal is to
investigate how accessible these cities are for individuals with mobility impairments or restrictions. Ultimately, we
seek to optimize and personalize access to key destinations for people with mobility impairments by leveraging detailed
spatial accessibility data. Additionally, we aim to explore how enriched accessibility data can be utilized in
real-world applications to benefit these population groups.
Your responsibilities
Tasks related to the execution and analysis of the ZuReach project will include, but are not limited to:
- participating in the design, planning, and implementation of data collection protocols, online and paper-based
questionnaires, and focus group discussions
- developing materials in German and English (flyers, data collection protocols, project description, participants'
consent form, scientific reports, meeting minutes, etc.)
- contributing to participant recruitment and scheduling - Recruit adults from various backgrounds (e.g., the
community at large, university students) using several sources (social media, mailing, email, in-person, flyers)
- training and instructing the participants in data collection
- if needed, on-site data collection in the city of Zurich and Winterthur
- doing research on data quality assessment and helping with verifying and analyzing the collected datasets
- if needed, applying AI and digital methods for image processing to extract accessibility features (width,
smoothness, etc.)
- collaborating with researchers, public organizations, and other institutions
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and open-minded researcher with a passion for science and an independent,
efficient, organized, and effective work style, with the following profile:
- A completed bachelor's degree in Geography, GIScience, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
- A strong background in quantitative data analysis, statistical analysis, computational modeling, and programming
(e.g., Python, SQL, R) is a prerequisite.
- Knowledge of qualitative study design and data analysis.
- Knowledge of spatial data storage and databases.
- Ideally, the candidate also has experience in machine learning/deep learning, image processing, and spatial data
analysis.
- Excellent social skills. Ability to work with diverse groups of people and be helpful, respectful, approachable, and
team-oriented.
- Previous experience in interdisciplinary projects is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated high attention to detail. Strong organizational skills.
- Excellent written and spoken German AND English communication skills are mandatory. Knowledge of other Swiss
national languages (Italian and French) is a plus.
- A Swiss residency permit is mandatory.
Information on your application
The position is part-time (30-40%) with start from March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and a duration of
maximum 8 months. Work place is at the premises of the Digital Society Initiative (Rämistrasse 69, 8001 Zurich), or
Department of Geography (Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich), University of Zürich.
Please send your complete application documents via the link below including:
1) A cover letter emphasizing motivation to apply (max. 1 A4 page)
2) A curriculum vitae
The screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. (First deadline:
January 28, 2026, 17:00).
Applications from women and underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More
What we offer
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
More Learning and Development
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
More Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
More Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
More Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
More Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
More International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
More Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
More
Location
Digital Society Initiative
Rämistrasse 69, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Hoda AllahbakhshiResearch group leader Contact Form
Contact question to: Hoda Allahbakhshi
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *I accept the privacy policySend Thank you for your message. We will get
back to you shortly.
Questions about the application procedure
Gabriele ProhaskaHR assistant DSI Contact Form
Contact question to: Gabriele Prohaska
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *Ich akzeptiere hiermit die DatenschutzerklärungSend Thank you for your
message. We will get back to you shortly. Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via the link below.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More