Graduate Assistant in Geography of Active Mobilities

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, Epalinges and Sion. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

The Institute of Geography and Sustainability (IGD) seeks to fill a position of Graduate Assistant in Geography of Mobilities. This position is linked to the research group of Prof Patrick Rérat and the Observatory for Cycling and Active Mobilities (OUVEMA).
The IGD has around 130 members working in the fields of geography and sustainability, combining humanities and natural sciences. The IGD offers an international, interdisciplinary environment that is stimulating and conducive to high-level research. 

OUVEMA is an interdisciplinary research platform on cycling and active mobilities. Its areas of research are: 1) practices and behaviour; 2) policies; 3) planning and the built environment; 4) health. OUVEMA develops close ties with both the international research community and with actors in the field (action research, co-construction of expertise, etc.).

Job information

Starting date :     01.11.2025
Contract length : 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years
Activity rate :      80%
Workplace :         University of Lausanne, Institute of Geography and Sustainability, Geopolis, Lausanne, Switzerland

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will develop personal research leading to a PhD in the field of Geography of Mobilities. Her or his research topic should focus on cycling or another active mobility through the lens of (1) practices (2) politics, or (3) urbanism. The research will also be carried out within the Observatory for Cycling and Active Mobilities (OUVEMA).

The successful candidate will devote at least half of working time to her/his PhD research (40% for this position), with the remaining time reserved for supporting research and teaching of Prof Patrick Rérat among other in the frame of OUVEMA. 

Your qualifications

The successful candidate is expected to have earned a Master’s degree in Human geography (or another social science).
French and English language proficiency is expected (French is the working language of the research team and at IGD as well as the teaching language at UNIL).

Good knowledge in mixed methods (articulation of quantitative and qualitative methods) and German would be an advantage. 

What the position offers you

We offer a stimulating work environment and atmosphere, with dedicated support for developing an academic career. Members of our research groups become part of international networks and benefit from opportunities to attend conferences and workshops around the world.
We offer an excellent remuneration package and additional funds for fieldwork and conferences. Different formation opportunities are possible at UNIL or in Swiss institutions that promote doctoral research. 

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.

Contact for further information

Prof Patrick Rérat (E-Mail schreiben)
Personal page: https://applicationspub.unil.ch/interpub/noauth/php/Un/UnPers.php?PerNum=63246&LanCode=37
Institute of geography and sustainability: https://www.unil.ch/igd  
OUVEMA: https://www.unil.ch/ouvema

Your application

Deadline: 31st of August 2025

Please submit the following documents in PDF format only via the career website of the University of Lausanne:    
- letter of motivation;
- full CV;
- a short (2-3 pages) proposal for doctoral research;
- scans of university degrees and course transcripts/marks;
- the Master’s thesis (and a research paper, if available).

Only applications through the website will be taken into account. 
https://career5.successfactors.eu/career?company=universitdP&career_ns=job_listing_summary&navBarLevel=JOB_SEARCH&_s.crb=PsccOVQ6GYtc2oETUbXzVmM3LAk%3d

Job interviews will take place on September 17th 2025

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