PhD position (80%, 5 years) in Inequality and Integration

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

The Graduate School for Public Administration of the University of Lausanne is looking for a PhD student 80% (max. 5 years), ideally starting in September 2025. The PhD researcher will work in close collaboration with Prof. Flavia Fossati and the team members of the Inequality and Integration research unit.
We are looking for a new colleague who is eager to work on and interested in contributing to the overall research agenda of the research unit. Our current projects focus on the politics of immigration in the fields of education, equal opportunities, and labour markets. Thereby, we study attitudes, policies and the politics of these questions mainly through quantitative and experimental methods.

Job information

Expected start date in position : September 1st, 2025 (negotiable)

Contract length : 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years

Activity rate : 80%

Salary : The salary is in accordance with the regulations of the University of Lausanne

Workplace : IDHEAP, Quartier de la Mouline, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland

Your responsibilities

• Writing a PhD dissertation closely connected to the research projects of the Inequality and Integration Unit.


• Independently design and carry out a research project, including data collection, analysis and publication of results in peer-reviewed journals (three peer-reviewed single and co-authored articles are required). Following a doctoral program (consisting of 30 ETCS) and attending national or international training programs (methodology and/ or theory, e.g., in the framework of summer-schools).


• Reporting results at national and international conferences, seminars, etc.;


• Collaborating in administrative tasks of the unit (e.g., teaching support, research tasks, administrative tasks, etc.).


• You will be part of the Lives Centre for Vulnerability during the Life course (CIR-LIVES) network with the possibility to attend events and collaborate within the network. 

Your qualifications

We are looking for candidates with a master’s degree in the social sciences (political science, sociology, economics, or related disciplines).

Required:

• Knowledge of the relevant literature and / or genuine interest in working on inequalities in education, public attitude analysis, discrimination research, including innovative topics such as for instance the impact of artificial intelligence on inequality and discrimination.


• Excellent training in quantitative research methods and very good skills in data analysis (Stata, R, etc.) as demonstrated in an MA thesis, Master seminar paper, or similar.


• Independent and critical thinking and a hands-on mentality.


• A collaborative attitude and teamwork orientation.


• Excellent English skills, both written and spoken.

Desired :

• Knowledge of experimental methods.


• Openness to working with mixed methods designs.


• Knowledge of French.

What the position offers you

A friendly but ambitious research climate where teamwork is appreciated. A pleasant, multicultural, and diversified academic working environment, competitive remuneration and good international travel opportunities. We provide opportunities for continuing education, as well as a multitude of activities and other benefits to discover.

Contact for further information

Professor Flavia Fossati, E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline : Applications should be uploaded no later than 25th May, 2025 through the official University of Lausanne Job Platform (please note that otherwise applications cannot be considered).

Applications should include the following materials: 1) a motivation letter stating your qualifications, fit for the position and interest in the Unit’s research focus; 2) Curriculum Vitae including copies of certificates (all in one PDF file); 3) one writing sample (MA thesis and/or substantial term paper), and 4) the names and contact details of two referees. Please, send your full application in Word or PDF.

We thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

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