Lausanne
First Assistant - Urban Geography 100%
- 18 July 2026
- 100%
- Lausanne
Job summary
Join UNIL, a leading international research institution with 5,000 staff and 17,000 students. Experience a vibrant work environment and excellent benefits.
Tasks
- Develop research in urban geography for an international academic career.
- Support teaching through course development and student supervision.
- Engage in interdisciplinary projects and collaborations within IGD.
Skills
- PhD in Geography with a focus on urban studies required.
- Proven ability to secure external funding for research.
- Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
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About the job
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. Its campus is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, close to the city centre of Lausanne, and hosts more than 120 nationalities. As an employer, it promotes excellence, recognition of individuals, and responsibility.
Presentation
The Institute of Geography and Sustainability (IGD) is advertising a first assistant position – urban geography integrated within the research teams of Professors Martin Müller and René Véron.
The IGD brings together around 130 members working in the fields of geography and sustainability by combining the humanities and natural sciences. With 24 professors and MERs and more than 60 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, the IGD offers an international, interdisciplinary, stimulating environment conducive to high-level research. It regularly hosts renowned conferences and researchers from around the world.
Position Information
Start date: 1 February 2027
Contract duration: 1 year, renewable twice for 2 years, maximum 5 years.
Work rate: 100%
Workplace: Géopolis Building, UNIL-Mouline, Lausanne, Switzerland
Your Activities
The successful candidate will develop their research in the field of urban geography, with the aim of preparing for an international academic career. They will benefit from significant freedom in defining the subject of their postdoctoral research project. However, this must demonstrate a connection with the ongoing research conducted by Professors Martin Müller and René Véron and their teams. Current research topics include the decentring and decolonisation of urban theory through the prism of the Easts (Global East) or the Souths (Global South) and the socio-ecological transition in urban environments. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches are considered for the methodology.
The position also includes teaching support tasks such as preparing and marking assignments, co-supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s students. They may also be involved in Bachelor’s and/or Master’s courses.
The successful candidate will devote at least 50% of their working time to their personal research projects, with the remainder dedicated to teaching and collective activities.
Your Profile
The successful candidate will have the following characteristics:
- Holder of a doctorate in geography, specialising in urban geography
- International background and academic mobility
- Proven expertise in diversifying sources and locations of urban studies
- Demonstrated ability to secure prestigious external funding
- Teaching or supervision experience at Bachelor’s and/or Master’s level
- Experience in qualitative or quantitative methods, with significant fieldwork
- Interpersonal skills to work in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment
- Autonomy and initiative
- Language skills in French (French is the language of instruction at UNIL, as well as the main mode of interaction within the IGD) and English are expected. German would be an asset.
Your Benefits
The IGD offers a stimulating environment and a culture conducive to the development of a research career. IGD members are part of international research networks, and first assistants are encouraged and supported to participate. The IGD offers a competitive salary and financial support for fieldwork and conference participation.
More information at unil.ch/travailler
Your Application
Application deadline: 7 August 2026
Interested persons are requested to send the following documents - in PDF format - via the University of Lausanne online system:
- Cover letter;
- A complete curriculum vitae including a list of publications;
- A copy of the doctoral diploma and Master’s programme transcripts;
- Contact details of two referees familiar with the candidate’s academic work (no letters)
- Two publications of academic work (articles or manuscripts)
- A research project outline for a five-year period (maximum three pages)
Please send your complete application in Word or PDF format. Only applications submitted via this site will be considered.
Thank you for your understanding.
For Further Information
Contact persons:
Prof. Martin Müller: martin.muller@unil.ch | Prof. René Véron: rene.veron@unil.ch
Remarks
UNIL is committed to:
• Equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
• Ensuring an open, respectful and supportive environment;
• Offering working conditions favourable to balancing different spheres of life;
• Supporting the next generation of scientists.
