Application process
We are delighted that you are interested in joining the ZHAW. To give you a deeper insight into the role and an opportunity to get to know the team, several people are involved in the selection process.
It is important to us that you receive prompt feedback on your application, as well as after each interview round. When recruiting (assistant) professors, response times may be slightly longer due to specific procedural requirements.
Application procedures vary depending on the role. There are three processes, which we adapt as required depending on the situation:
The standard process applies to most positions. It consists of two interview rounds with your prospective line manager and other interview participants. Depending on the position, the group of participants may be smaller or larger. For example, the next-level manager, team members or peers may also take part. A Human Resources representative is involved in at least the first-round interview. For academic posts, a subject-specific presentation and/or a trial lecture is/are generally to be provided as part of the second interview. For management positions, the process concludes with an assessment, depending on the level of the role.
The streamlined process applies to qualification positions (apprentices, interns, research assistants, (post-)doctoral researchers), fixed-term positions of up to two years and part-time positions with contracted working hours equivalent to an employment level of less than 50 %. The streamlined process consists of one or two interview rounds. These are conducted with your prospective line manager and, where applicable, other participants, without Human Resources being involved.
The professorial process is used for the appointment of (assistant) professors and is very similar to the standard process. However, the group of participants (selection committee) is considerably larger than in the standard process and, in addition to internal representatives, includes external experts from academic or professional practice, as well as a student representative. The appointment process leading to a professorship follows the application process. Appointments are made exclusively by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences Council.
Overview of the application process
Submit your application via the application tool on our website
Please submit all of your application documents via our application tool (CV, degree certificates, reference letters and, where applicable, a cover letter).Candidate selection
We review every application carefully. Please note that for positions with a specific application deadline, the selection process only begins once that deadline has passed. We kindly ask for your patience while awaiting feedback.First interview
The first interview is conducted either virtually or on site. It takes place with the line manager and, where appropriate, additional participants. The number of participants varies depending on the particular process. The purpose of the first interview is to get to know one another and to clarify any open questions. No special preparation is required on your part.Second interview
In most cases, a second interview is conducted on site. The participants may differ from those involved in the first interview. Depending on the role, you will be given a task to complete and present either before or during the interview, and you will get to know other team members.Trial lecture / subject-specific presentation
For academic posts within the standard and professorial processes, you will generally be required to give a trial lecture and/or a subject-specific presentation as part of the second interview. You will be informed of the topic well in advance.Assessment
For management positions, an assessment may be conducted at the end of the process, depending on the level of the role.Hiring decision and confirmation
The hiring decision is first communicated to you verbally. This is followed by a binding written confirmation by e-mail.Employment contract
Once you have accepted the offer by e-mail, we will finalise your appointment and send you a formal written contract within two to three weeks.- Onboarding
You can find out what happens next in our Onboarding section. We look forward to welcoming you.