Graduate 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, is tasked with developing research, teaching, expertise, and consultancy in the fields of environmental and sustainability policy analysis, covering its three components: ecological, social, and economic.
The "Public Policy and Sustainability" unit is advertising a position for a:

Graduate Assistant at 90%

You will be part of a team with a dynamic, autonomous work culture based on mutual trust. The candidate will be expected to conduct research and write a doctoral thesis in one of the areas covered by the unit's main research axes. A thesis project in the field of analysing political strategies for the deconstruction of environmental policies ("green backlash") would be an advantage. 

Job-related information

• Expected start date: 1 August 2026 or to be agreed
• Contract duration: 1 year, renewable twice for two years (maximum total 5 years)
• Activity rate: 90%
• At least 50% of the activity rate will be dedicated to completing a thesis / up to 50% of the activity rate will be dedicated to the institution
• Workplace: Lausanne (IDHEAP-UNIL)
• Salary: according to the University of Lausanne conditions:   https://www.unil.ch/files/live/sites/unil/files/05-travailler/0503-avantages/baremes-2026/BARM_%20Assistant_doctorant_2026.pdf (Graduate 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 a 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 working environment
• Numerous continuing education opportunities, a multitude of activities, and other benefits to discover
• Access to (inter)national training programmes and the possibility to undertake research stays abroad

For further information

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

Your application file

Application deadline: 09.06.2026

Please send us your complete application 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 via 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 favourable to balancing different spheres of life;
•    Supporting the next generation of scientists.

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