PhD position in the design of everyday life and the emergence of a post-growth counterculture (80%)

Introduction

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a higher teaching and research institution composed of seven faculties where nearly 17,000 students and 5,000 collaborators, professors, and researchers work and study between the Dorigny campus, along the Lake of Geneva, and the CHUV, Epalinges and Sion sites. As an employer, it encourages excellence, recognition of individuals and responsibility.

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Presentation

The Institute of Geography and Sustainability (IGD) seeks to fill a PhD position in the design of everyday life and the emergence of a post-growth counterculture. This position will be supervised by Professor Christian Arnsperger. 

The IGD is an interdisciplinary community of about 130 academics that work in the fields of Geography and Sustainability. With 24 professors and lecturers, and more than 60 PhD students and Post-docs, the department offers a vibrant, stimulating environment for cutting-edge research. It hosts regular lecture series and distinguished guest researchers from around the world.

Job information

Starting date:    August 1, 2026
Contract length:  1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years
Activity rate:       80% 
Workplace:         University of Lausanne, Institute of Geography and Sustainability, Géopolis, Lausanne, Switzerland

Your responsibilities

The candidate will conduct independent research toward a Ph.D. in environmental sciences, in the field of environmental humanities. 

The aim of this research will be to understand how the concept of post-growth can serve as a framework for the emergence of a counterculture (or a constellation of countercultures) in two closely complementary areas: on the one hand, the design of everyday life through a new “spirituality” of everyday objects and their use; on the other hand, the design of social, cultural, and ritual practices within a framework of energy descent and the “re-enchantment” of the biosphere. The goal is to understand both the driving forces (new lifestyles, minimalism, animism, etc.) that could enable this dual emergence, and the existential obstacles (anxieties and fears, prejudices regarding the concept of prosperity, political power dynamics, etc.) that are likely to stand in its way.

The successful candidate will devote at least half of their time to this doctoral research, with the remainder dedicated to supporting Prof. Christian Arnsperger’s research and, above all, teaching activities in the fields of environmental humanities and ecological economics, in the role of graduate assistant.

Your qualifications

•    A strong ability to engage in interdisciplinary work that applies philosophical and existential issues to “practical” and “everyday” fields typically studied by design, sociology, law, economics, etc.;
•    Ability to support teaching through activities such as grading assignments, delivering certain lecture sessions, and providing support to students
•    Independence and a spirit of initiative;
•    Strong synergies with the supervisor’s specific interests and research areas;
•    Excellent reading, writing, and communication skills in both French and English (French is the primary language of instruction at UNIL);
•    Ability to strictly meet deadlines (extending the doctoral research beyond July 31, 2031 will not be possible due to the supervisor’s retirement).

Disciplinary knowledge (Master certificate or equivalent)

Master’s degree in design (industrial or other), environmental humanities, ecology, environmental sciences, social sciences, heterodox economics, or philosophy.

What the position offers you

The University of Lausanne, Institute of Geography and Sustainability, offers a stimulating work environment and atmosphere, with dedicated support for developing an academic career. Members of our institute become part of international networks and benefit from opportunities to attend conferences and workshops around the world. 

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

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Contact for further information

Professor Christian Arnsperger (E-Mail schreiben)  E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline: June 1, 2026

Please submit the following documents in PDF format only via the career website of the Uni-versity of Lausanne:

•    A letter of motivation (maximum 1 ½ pages);
•    A full CV;
•    A short initial proposal (2-3 pages) for the PhD project;
•    Scans of university degrees and course transcripts/marks (please keep file size small but legible);
•    Writing samples:  Master’s thesis; research paper, if available; other…;
•    A list of three references and their contact information;

Only applications submitted through the career website will be considered.

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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