Graduated Assistant in "Public Policy Analysis and Sustainability" at 90%

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.

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Presentation

The "public policy and sustainability" (PPD) unit of the Institute of Advanced Studies in Public Administration (IDHEAP) at the University of Lausanne, led by Professor Stéphane Nahrath, aims to develop research, teaching, expertise, and consulting in the fields of environmental and sustainability policy analysis, in its three components: ecological, social, and economic.
The "Public Policy and Sustainability" unit is offering a position for a:

Graduated Assistant at 90%

You will be part of a team with a dynamic, autonomous work culture based on mutual trust. The candidate will conduct research and write a doctoral thesis in one of the areas covered by the unit's main research axes: analysis of environmental, climate, and/or spatial planning policies, sustainable management of resources (natural and infrastructural), socio-economic issues of sustainability, or other related fields.

Job-related information

•    Expected start date: 1.3.2026 or to be agreed
•    Contract duration: 1 year, renewable 2x for two years (total max. 5 years)
•    Activity rate: 90% (at least 50% of the activity rate will be dedicated to completing a thesis / at least 50% of the activity rate will be devoted to the institution)
•    Workplace: Lausanne (IDHEAP)
•    Salary: according to the conditions of the University of Lausanne: https://www.unil.ch/files/live/sites/unil/files/05-travailler/0503-avantages/Bar%C3%A8mes%202025/Assistant_doctorant_2025.pdf (Graduated Assistants)

Your activities

•    Completion of a doctoral thesis
•    Participation in research projects in the aforementioned fields and their dissemination (articles, conferences, etc.)
•    Active support of the unit's teaching activities
•    Participation in mandates for public administrations

Your profile

•    Master's degree in public administration, political science, social sciences, geosciences and environment, or similar qualification
•    Basic knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative methods and willingness to refine and improve your methodological skills
•    Passionate about research and autonomous in its execution
•    Reliable, open, spontaneous, and creative personality
•    Fluency in French and English is essential. Good command of German is an asset
•    Knowledge of the Swiss political and administrative system is also an asset

Your benefits

•    An attractive salary and excellent working conditions in a very dynamic institute within the University of Lausanne
•    A privileged, caring, multicultural, and diverse work environment
•    Many opportunities for continuing education, a multitude of activities, and other benefits to discover
•    Access to (inter)national training programs and the possibility to undertake research stays abroad

For further information

Prof. Stéphane Nahrath: stephane.nahrath@unil.ch 

Your application file

Application deadline: 31.12.2025

Please send us your complete file in Word or PDF format. Please upload a cover letter, a CV, a document you have written (for example, your master’s thesis, a (forthcoming) publication, or a seminar paper), as well as a recent transcript of your grades.
Only applications submitted through this site will be considered. We thank you for your understanding.

Remarks

UNIL is committed to:
•    Equality, diversity, and inclusion within its community;
•    Ensuring an open, respectful, and supportive environment for personal development;
•    Offering working conditions conducive to balancing different spheres of life;
•    Supporting scientific succession.

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