Postdoctoral researcher position (20 to 60%, 9 months)
Lausanne
Key information
- Publication date:27 August 2025
- Workload:20 – 60%
- Place of work:Lausanne
Job summary
Join UNIL, a top research institution, as a Postdoctoral researcher. Engage in impactful research on education policies!
Tasks
- Write high-impact journal articles with the research team.
- Present findings at conferences and other dissemination events.
- Assist with project reports and administrative tasks.
Skills
- Doctoral degree in social sciences completed within 3 years.
- Strong background in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Fluency in English; knowledge of French/German is a plus.
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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 Postdoctoral researcher position (20 to 60%, 9 months corresponding to the remaining duration of the project) in an SNSF founded project on education and equal opportunity policies
Are you interested in the topic of inequal chances in education? Are you enthusiastic about researching and publishing on mitigating inequality and discrimination in education policy with a focus on the attitudes of different actors in this policy field (e.g., public, parents, teachers)? Do you have a strong background in quantitative and qualitative methods?
Then the project “The politics of equal-opportunity policy in compulsory education in Switzerland” is the right choice for you.
Job information
Expected start date in position : November 1st 2025
Contract length : 9 months, corresponding to the remaining duration of the project
Activity rate : variable 20% to 60%
Workplace : IDHEAP, Quartier de la Mouline, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Your responsibilities
• Writing high-impact peer-reviewed journal articles in collaboration with co-authors of the research team;
• Reporting results at conferences, impact events and dissemination activities;
• Contribute to the redaction of the report for the SNSF and assisting with administrative tasks of the project.
• Possibility to be part of the Lives Center for Vulnerability during the Lifecourse (CIR-LIVES) and cooperate with its research fellows,
• Possibility of co-teaching MA classes.
Your qualifications
We are looking for candidates with a doctoral degree in the social sciences completed no longer than 3 years ago (sociology, political science, educational science, or related disciplines).
• Theoretical expertise and genuine interest in research on inequalities in education, public attitude studies and discrimination research;
• Experience in quantitative research methods with excellent skills in data analysis (R; Stata or equivalent)
• Having conducted survey experiments previously or having analysed such data is an asset;
• A track record appropriate to the stage of their career;
• Independent thinking and a hands-on mentality;
• A professional attitude and conduct that includes organizational sensitivity, research integrity, pragmatism as well as excellent communication and organizational skills;
• A collaborative attitude and teamwork orientation;
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken (C2 level), is required;
• Knowledge of either French and/or German is an asset.
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
Further information may be obtained from E-Mail schreiben
Your application
Applications should include the following materials: 1) a motivation letter stating your qualifications, fit for the project and interest in the position; 2) Curriculum Vitae including copies of certificates (all in one PDF file); 3) one writing sample (PhD thesis and/or peer-reviewed publication), and 4) the names and contact details of two referees.
Applications should be uploaded no later than 8th September 2025 only applications through this website will be taken into account.
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.
unil.ch/equality
unil.ch/families
unil.ch/graduatecampus
