PhD Position : Public Management

Introduction

Are you passionate about improving public services for citizens and solving societal issues? Are you convinced that the Swiss public sector has been waiting for your innovative ideas? Do you have a passion for research and teaching and want to become part of an international research community? If you answered these questions with “yes”, then this job is for you!
At the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP) of the Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration at the University of Lausanne, we have an open
Ph.D.-Researcher/Graduate Assistant position (80%) to be filled as soon as possible. The position is part of the research unit “Strategy and Organization” headed by Prof. Dr. Oliver Neumann. You will be part of an international team with a modern, autonomous working culture. The candidate is expected to write a doctoral thesis in a sub-field of Public Management, preferably Behavioral Public Administration.

Presentation

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 15,500 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.
At the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP) of the Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration at the University of Lausanne, the research unit “Strategy and Organization” invites applications for a position of:
PhD Candidate 80%

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.03.2026/ to be agreed

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

Activity rate : 80% (at least 50% of the activity rate will be dedicated to completing a thesis / at least 50% of the activity rate will be dedicated to the institution)

Workplace : IDHEAP, partial work from hom possible

Salary: see https://www.unil.ch/files/live/sites/unil/files/05-travailler/0503-avantages/Bar%c3%a8mes%202026/BARM_%20Assistant_doctorant_2026.pdf (Assistant-e diplomé-e)

Your responsibilities

The PhD Candidate is expected to develop and complete a doctoral research project on a relevant topic in the field of Public Management, preferably in Behavioral Public Administration. Other tasks include: active participation in international conferences; actively supporting the teaching activities of the research unit; hands-on consulting activities for public organizations, state-owned enterprises etc.; a small share of administrative tasks, as the research unit is self-organized.

Your qualifications

•    Master’s degree in public management, management, business administration, information systems, political science, or related disciplines. 
•    Skilled in both qualitative and quantitative methods, and willingness to refine your methodological skills. 
•    Knowledge of the Swiss political and administrative system is an asset.
•    Passionate about learning and reliable, creative, take-charge personality.
•    Able to work autonomously and deliver results on time.
•    Fluency in written and spoken English is a must. 
•    French, German, and Italian skills are a strong asset.

What the position offers you

•    Attractive salary and excellent work conditions in an established institute at the University of Lausanne. 
•    Multicultural and diverse work environment.
•    Access to national and international training programs and the possibility to conduct part of your doctoral research abroad. 

Contact for further information

For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Oliver Neumann: E-Mail schreiben 

Your application

Deadline: 31.01.2026

Please upload a motivation letter, CV, a writing sample (e. g. your master’s thesis) and your grades obtained in your master’s. Only applications through this website will be considered. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

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.

unil.ch/equality
unil.ch/families
unil.ch/graduatecampus