Graduated Assistants in Anthropology of Religion in Post-Colonial Contexts

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.

unil.ch/travailler

Presentation

To complete its team, the Institute of History and Anthropology of Religions of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Lausanne is looking for a graduated Assistant in Anthropology of Religion in post-colonial contexts.

Job-related information

Start date: 01.09.2026 or to be agreed

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

Activity rate: 100%

Workplace: Unil-Chamberonne (Dorigny district)

Your activities

In your duties, you will notably be required to:

• Write a doctoral thesis, and carry out related activities, in anthropology of religion, based on fieldwork (ethnography) to be conducted in Africa (50%);
• Assist Prof. Carla Bertin in her teaching and research activities (50%).

Your profile

We wish to hire, to complete our team, a person with the following profile: 

• Master's degree in anthropology, humanities or social sciences, religious studies or an equivalent qualification;
• Knowledge and interest in research in anthropology of religion and/or African studies;
• Mastery of qualitative methods, notably ethnographic, in social sciences/anthropology research;
• Clear motivation for an academic career;
• Ability to collaborate, organize and show initiative;
• Fluency in French, good knowledge of English, a third language is a plus.

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 unil.ch/travailler

For further information

Prof. Carla Bertin
carla.bertin@unil.ch
tel: +41 21 692 27 19

Your application file

• Analytical CV with copies of diplomas;
• Names and contact details of two referees;
• Master's thesis;
• Cover letter;
• Maximum three pages (excluding bibliography) presenting the research topics the candidate intends to explore.

Application deadline: 30.04.2026

Please send us your complete application file in Word or PDF format.
Incomplete files will not be considered and will not be followed up.
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;
•    Guaranteeing an open, respectful and supportive environment for personal development;
•    Offering working conditions conducive to balancing different spheres of life;
•    Supporting scientific succession.

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