Two PhD Student Positions in the Social Sciences (m/f/d)

The successful candidates will collaborate with Sabine Hoidn (project leader) and her research team in EU cutting-edge research projects. The position is based at the Research Institute of Sociology (SfS) and associated with the Chair of Sociology. We offer a stimulating and supportive environment with a vibrant team of researchers and excellent working conditions. The candidates will have opportunities to further their academic career, collaborate with other members of the SfS research group (e.g., joint publications, teaching), and develop a strong academic network. Funding for scientific conferences, additional training and research activities may be provided. Remuneration will be in accordance with HSG guidelines for doctoral students.

Please apply with a curriculum vitae (including current or expected degrees, research experience, methods skills, project work, publications, teaching experience), a motivation letter describing the reasons for applying for this position in the given discipline(s), including a description of research interests (1-2 pages), a writing sample (e.g., master thesis or a term paper) and the names of two academic referees (who may be contacted before a final hiring decision is made).
For more information, please contact PD Dr. Sabine Hoidn (E-Mail schreiben).

You will write a PhD dissertation in the field of Education, Economics, or Sociology, under the supervision of Prof. Patrik Aspers and PD Dr. Sabine Hoidn, and will be enrolled in a PhD programme at the University of St.Gallen ( www.dok.unisg.ch ).
Successful candidates will conduct rigorous research in education/economics/sociology within an interdisciplinary research team, contributing to at least two cutting-edge Horizon Europe Social Science projects in Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment) and Horizon Europe Missions Calls (Co-creating solutions for soil health in Living Labs, see ( https://sfs.unisg.ch/en/research/horizon-europe-projekte/ ). PhD candidates will conduct academic research in the context of these Horizon Europe research projects in one of the following thematic area.

• Analysis of agricultural/agroforestry markets, socio-economic data, and the impacts of digital applications and policy strategies;
• Assessing and mitigating inequalities in agroforestry, land degradation and land-use decision-making;
• Awareness raising, stakeholder engagement, training and capacity building, co-design of useroriented (online) training formats and materials for key actors;
• Facilitation of interactive, multi-actor processes and methods for inclusive participatory and social learning.

The final research focus will be defined jointly during the onboarding phase, taking into account the successful candidates' disciplinary backgrounds, interests, and the evolving project needs.

The PhD Assistants are expected to proactively engage in practice-oriented and user-centred project work and contribute to outputs (literature reviews, study design, data collection and analysis, outreach/exploitation activities, peer-reviewed publications, grant proposal writing, etc.), will also assist in administrative and teaching activities and are expected to work in their office in St. Gallen on a regular basis.

• Excellent Master's degree in social sciences (e.g., Education, Sociology, Psychology, Agriculture, Economics, Technology/lnnovation Studies, Political Science, or related studies, completed by summer 2025 latest.
• Strong interest in carrying out innovative academic research in the areas outlined. Documented experience is an asset.
• Strong interest in contributing to interdisciplinary research projects in an international and interdisciplinary team (and possibly co-leading project tasks).
• Practical knowledge of how to do qualitative and/or quantitative research.
• High level of commitment and willingness to engage with questions at the interface between research and practice.
• Strong analytical abilities, high level of personal initiative and goal orientation and flexibility.
• Ability to meet deadlines and contribute collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. German language skills are an advantage.

"A place where knowledge is created" - As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 9800 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3300 researchers, educators and professional staff.