Doctoral student (50%)

The University of Lucerne is a modern, personal and dynamic human sciences university at the heart of Switzerland and Europe. In keeping with our guiding principle 'Moving Human Sciences', we focus on people and their institutions with our six faculties and two academies. Our aim is to develop the University of Lucerne into a pioneering, internationally visible centre for research and teaching in the human sciences. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, with its ten institutes and departments focuses on interdisciplinarity and innovation in research and teaching. The faculty offers its nearly 800 students a range of integrated degree programmes that are unique in Switzerland. We place great emphasis on excellent supervision and on ensuring close links between teaching and research.

The Institute of Political Science at the University of Lucerne invites applications for a

Doctoral student (50%)

We offer a 5-year research position starting from September 2026 (or by mutual agreement) at the research group led by Prof. Lena Schaffer. The position offers the opportunity to pursue a doctoral dissertation in political science within a vibrant research and teaching environment. We offer flexible working hours and opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange and further training within the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSL) at the University of Lucerne.

Tasks

• Writing a doctoral dissertation in political science with possible specializations including climate politics, the politics of migration and/or political behavior
• Teaching undergraduate-level courses (2 SWS)
• Supervising seminar papers and contributing to examinations
• Supporting the professorship in research activities and third-party funding acquisition
• Assisting with the organization of workshops, and other academic events
• Participating in academic self-governance

Requirements

• an MA degree in political science / political economy / economics or a related discipline
• a keen interest in international or comparative politics, IPE/CPE and/or political behavior
• knowledge of quantitative methods, and ideally experience with data analysis
• an ability to work independently as well as within a team
• a strong command of English and - preferably - a good working knowledge of German

Please submit your application, including a letter outlining your motivation and skills, as well as a CV, a writing sample (e.g., MA thesis), your Bachelor and Master level study transcripts, and the contact details of two people willing to serve as a reference - all in one single PDF file via our job portal.

We look forward to receiving your application by the 23th of July 2026. Interviews are scheduled to be held 30th of July (remote). Further inquiries about the position can be directed to Prof. Lena Schaffer ( E-Mail auf studentjob.ch ansehen ).

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