PhD Position in Public Administration

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

Presentation

The Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP)in the Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration at the University of Lausanne invites applications for a PhD position in the "Public Policy and Evaluation" research unit headed by Prof. Pirmin Bundi.

IDHEAP is the largest university and interdisciplinary training, research and expertise unit in Switzerland dedicated entirely and exclusively to the public sector. We offer excellent research support in a dynamic public policy and public administration research community and are committed to promoting the careers of young scholars.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.09.2024 or to be agreed

Contract length : 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years

Activity rate : 80-100%

Workplace : IDHEAP, Lausanne

The Project

The postdoctoral researcher will work and develop his/her dissertation within the framework of the Cost Action "Comparative Research on the Executive Triangle in Europe" (CoREx). The project establishes a pan-European network to study the relationship between executive politicians, top civil servants, and ministerial advisors, highlighting their crucial role in policy making and democratic governance in the context of political polarization and populism in Europe. More information is available here: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA22150/. https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA22150/

The future post holder will participate in two working groups (The institutional setup of the executive triangle in a comparative perspective & Roles, interactions and impact on the policymaking process). The main project activity will be to develop a questionnaire and conduct a substantial number of interviews with different actors within the federal administration (politicians, top civil servants, policy advisors). The future post holder will be free to develop the topic of the thesis within the framework of the research project, but will frequently collaborate with researchers from other institutions working within the same project, in particular with Prof. Philipp Trein, University of Lausanne (Co-PI of the Swiss team).

Your qualifications

• Master's degree in political science or public administration (or related field) 


• Interest in public policy, public administration and policy-making


• Basic training in both quantitative and qualitative methods and an interest in developing methodological skills


• Initial experience in conducting semi-directive interviews is an advantage


• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team


• Excellent knowledge of French or German; excellent knowledge of English
   

What the position offers you

• Integration in a young, but dynamic research group in a leading department of public administration with highly motivated and engaged members


• Participation in an international research project (CoREx)


• Funding for five years, subject to approval of the PhD proposal by the end of the first year


• Attractive salary and additional financial support for conferences and methodological courses  https://www.unil.ch/files/live/sites/srh/files/03_Infos_administratives/2024/Assistant_doctorant%20(sans%20index)_2024.pdf

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

Further inquiries can be directed to professor Pirmin Bundi

Your application

Deadline : 24.05.2024

Please send your application to Pirmin Bundi electronically as a PDF file with a letter of motivation, a current CV, transcripts, your master's thesis (including a short summary), and the contact information of two people who are willing to serve as references, with the subject line "PhD position".
Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
www.unil.ch/egalite

UNIL supports early career researchers.
www.unil.ch/graduatecampus