Lausanne
Graduate Biodiversity Credits Assistant - Critical Approach to Conservation Financing
- 30 June 2026
- 100%
- Lausanne
About the job
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.
Presentation
The Institute of Geography and Sustainability (IGD) is advertising a position for a graduate assistant in Biodiversity Credits – financing mechanisms for the conservation of endemic species which will be under the responsibility of Prof. Valérie Boisvert.
The Institute of Geography and Sustainability brings together around 130 members working in the fields of geography and sustainability. With 24 professors and nearly 60 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, the IGD offers an international, interdisciplinary, stimulating environment conducive to high-level research. It regularly hosts conferences and renowned researchers from around the world.
Position Information
Start date: 1 October 2026
Contract duration: 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years
Work rate: 80%
Workplace: University of Lausanne, Institute of Geography and Sustainability, Géopolis Building, 1015 Lausanne
Your Activities
The candidate will conduct independent research aimed at obtaining a doctorate in geography or environmental sciences on the theme of biodiversity credits with an application to the "Bonobo Credits" programme launched in 2025 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The following topics may be addressed:
· Policies, discourses and practices of biodiversity conservation (from global to local, in the Democratic Republic of Congo)
· Finance and biodiversity (credits, certificates, innovative financing mechanisms)
· Metrics, evaluation and quantification of biodiversity (scientific, technical, social and political issues)
· Role of local communities, issues of ecological justice
This doctorate will be carried out under the joint supervision of Prof. Valérie Boisvert (ecological economics) and Dr Victor Narat (eco-anthropology, CNRS, France). The candidate will devote at least half of their working time to their personal research and the remainder to supporting Valérie Boisvert’s activities as a graduate assistant. In this capacity, they will notably participate in supervising students and organising and leading seminars.
Your Profile
The candidate must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in humanities and social sciences (geography, anthropology, political science, economics, etc.) oriented towards nature conservation issues, a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in life sciences with an openness to humanities and social sciences, or a multidisciplinary Master’s in natural sciences and humanities and social sciences. Desired qualities include: an interest in conservation issues and field research, a taste for inter- and transdisciplinarity and collective work.
Expected are:
. Curiosity, autonomy, commitment, rigour and adaptability
. Very good analytical skills and ability to present work orally and in writing
. Proficiency in French and good knowledge of English.
Your Benefits
The IGD offers a stimulating environment and a culture conducive to developing a research career. IGD members are part of international research networks and graduate assistants are encouraged and supported to participate in annual conferences as well.
The IGD offers a competitive salary and financial support for fieldwork and conference participation. In addition, various opportunities for further training are available either at UNIL or within Swiss organisations promoting doctoral research.
Your Application File
Application deadline: 24.07.2026 midnight (local time)
Interested persons are requested to submit the following documents – in PDF format – via the University of Lausanne’s online system.
. A cover letter;
. A curriculum vitae;
. Names and email addresses of two academic referees;
. An outline of a doctoral research proposal (2-3 pages) related to the job description;
. Copies of university diplomas obtained (with transcripts);
. A copy of a research work (master’s thesis, article, seminar paper, etc.).
Only applications submitted via the online system will be considered.
Selection interviews will take place between 24 August and 28 August 2026.
Thank you for your understanding.
For Further Information
Contact person: Valérie Boisvert, valerie.boisvert@unil.ch
Information for prospective doctoral candidates:
https://www.unil.ch/immat/en/home/menuinst/futurs-doctorants.html
Remarks
UNIL is committed to:
. Equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
. Ensuring an open, respectful environment conducive to personal fulfilment;
. Offering working conditions favourable to balancing different spheres of life;
. Supporting the next generation of scientists.
