Graduate Assistant in Political Science with Specialization in Swiss and Comparative Politics
Lausanne
Key information
- Publication date:19 September 2025
- Workload:100%
- Place of work:Lausanne
Job summary
The UNIL is a leading international institution with nearly 5,000 staff. Join a supportive environment with various benefits.
Tasks
- Conduct research for a PhD in Swiss and comparative politics.
- Assist in teaching seminars and courses at the LAGAPE lab.
- Engage in collaborative research activities and administrative tasks.
Skills
- Master's in political science or related field; fluency in French and English.
- Strong knowledge of Swiss political systems and governance.
- Proficient in quantitative research methods and social science processes.
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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
To complement the Laboratory for the Analysis of Governance and Public Action in Europe (LAGAPE) of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (SSP), we are looking for:
a graduate assistant in political science with specialization in Swiss and comparative politics
Job Information
Start date: 01.02.2026
Contract duration: 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years
Work rate: 100%
Workplace: Lausanne-Dorigny, UNIL-Mouline
Salary: Salary scale
Your Activities
In your role, you will notably be expected to:
- Dedicate 50% of your work rate to completing a doctoral thesis in Swiss politics or comparative politics under the supervision of Professor Rahel Freiburghaus;
- Devote up to 50% of your work rate to supporting teaching (leading and supervising seminars, course assistance), participating in LAGAPE activities, and shared research activities. Other minor institutional tasks may also be assigned.
- Job description: terms of reference
Your Profile
We wish to hire, to complete our team, a person with the following profile:
- University master's degree in political science, public administration, public policy, or an equivalent qualification;
- Proficiency in French and English (reading, writing, speaking);
- Good command of quantitative survey methods and social science research processes;
- Excellent mastery and interest in Swiss and comparative politics;
- Excellent knowledge of the Swiss political system and its multiple levels of governance (federal, cantonal, local);
- Strong motivation to complete a doctoral thesis in the field of Swiss or comparative politics;
- Ability to work independently and to manage administrative and research activities while respecting deadlines;
- Interest in a long-term academic career is an asset.
Your Benefits
A pleasant working environment in a multicultural and diverse academic setting.
Opportunities for continuing education, a multitude of activities, and other benefits to discover.
More information at www.unil.ch/carrieres
For Further Information
Prof. Rahel Freiburghaus
rahel.freiburghaus@unil.ch
Your Application File
Application deadline: October 25, 2025
Please send us your complete application file in PDF format.
This file should include the following elements:
- Cover letter;
- Detailed CV with list of publications;
- Official transcript and copies of university diplomas;
- A copy of the master's thesis and a research paper (seminar paper, conference paper, or other scientific publication);
- Brief presentation of a thesis project (2 pages).
Only applications submitted through this site will be considered.
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 life spheres;
• Supporting the next generation of scientists.
