Graduated Assistant in Urban Animal Geography (80%)
Université de Lausanne
Lausanne
Key information
- Publication date:10 November 2025
- Workload:80%
- Place of work:Lausanne
Introduction
A leading international teaching and research institution, UNIL has nearly 5,000 staff members and 17,000 students, distributed between the Dorigny campus and the CHUV and Epalinges sites. As an employer, it promotes excellence, recognition of individuals, and responsibility.
Presentation
The Institute of Geography and Sustainability (IGD) is advertising a position for a graduated assistant in urban animal geography.
The Institute of Geography and Sustainability brings together about 130 members working in the fields of geography and sustainability. With 24 professors and MERs and more than 60 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, the IGD offers an international, interdisciplinary, stimulating environment conducive to high-level research. It regularly hosts renowned conferences and researchers from around the world.
Job Information
Start date: 01.02.2026 or to be agreed
Contract duration: 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years
Activity rate: 80%
Workplace: University of Lausanne, Institute of Geography and Sustainability, Géopolis, UNIL-Mouline, Lausanne, Switzerland
Your Activities
The recruited person will conduct personal research aimed at obtaining a doctorate in geography with an approach combining urban and environmental issues, particularly in their animal dimensions. He or she will benefit from freedom in defining the subject of their thesis. However, it must demonstrate a link with ongoing research conducted by Professor Joëlle Salomon Cavin and her team.
The thesis may, for example, focus on the following research directions:
- Governance modes of unwanted animals in the city;
- Humanimal geography and the relationship to living beings in housing habitability;
- Insects in indoor human infrastructures (housing, transport, public facilities, shops, etc.);
- Pest control professionals: knowledge and practices.
The thesis will be carried out within Joëlle Salomon Cavin's team in Lausanne in collaboration with animal geography specialists Nathalie Blanc (CNRS Ladyss) and Jean Estebanez (UPEC – Lab’Urba) in Paris.
The person will devote at least half of their time to their personal doctoral research (40% in this case) and the rest of their activities to supporting bachelor and master level teaching, supervising students, as well as various collective activities of the institute.
Your Profile
The candidate must hold a university master's degree (or equivalent) in human geography or another discipline of the social sciences and humanities with an interest in questions and approaches addressed in environmental geography, urban political ecology, animal studies, or cultural geography. Training in biology with a proven interest in social sciences and the city is also possible.
The candidate must demonstrate expertise in qualitative methods, appreciate observation and fieldwork, and possess strong writing skills. An interest in innovative research and presentation methods (e.g., video and drawing, collaborative research, creative writing) will also be an asset.
Language skills in French and English are expected (French is the working language within UNIL and the language of Joëlle Salomon Cavin's teaching).
Your Benefits
A pleasant working environment in a multicultural and diverse academic setting.
Opportunities for continuing education, a multitude of activities, and other benefits to discover: www.unil.ch/carrieres
The IGD offers a stimulating environment and a culture conducive to the development of a research career. IGD members are registered in international research networks, and graduated assistants are encouraged and supported to participate in annual conferences as well.
The IGD offers a competitive salary and financial support for fieldwork and conference participation. In addition, various additional training opportunities are available either at UNIL or within Swiss organizations promoting doctoral research.
For Further Information
Contact person: Joëlle Salomon Cavin, joelle.salomoncavin@unil.ch
https://igd.unil.ch/salomon/fr/
Information for future doctoral students: https://www.unil.ch/immat/en/home/menuinst/futurs-doctorants.html
Doctoral program in geography: https://geographie.cuso.ch
Your Application File
Application deadline: 01.12.2025
Interested persons are requested to send the following documents – in PDF format – via the University of Lausanne online system:
- A cover letter;
- A curriculum vitae;
- Names and email addresses of two academic references;
- An outline of a doctoral research intention (max. 2 pages) related to the job description;
- A copy of university diplomas obtained (with transcripts);
- A copy or excerpt of a research work (master's thesis, article, seminar paper, etc.).
Selection interviews will take place on December 15, 2025.
Only applications submitted through this site will be considered.
Thank you for your understanding.
Remarks
UNIL is committed to equality: www.unil.ch/egalite . Concerned with promoting equitable representation of women and men among its staff, the University encourages female applications.
UNIL supports scientific young talent: www.unil.ch/graduatecampus
UNIL is committed to:
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion within its community;
• Guaranteeing an open, respectful environment conducive to personal development;
• Offering working conditions favorable to balancing different spheres of life;
• Supporting scientific young talent.
