Vacancies
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
The University of Lucerne is a modern, personal and dynamic human sciences university at the heart of Switzerland and Europe. In keeping with our guiding principle 'Moving Human Sciences', we focus on people and their institutions with our six faculties and two academies. Our aim is to develop the University of Lucerne into a pioneering, internationally visible centre for research and teaching in the human sciences.
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, with its ten institutes and departments focuses on interdisciplinarity and innovation in research and teaching. The faculty offers its nearly 700 students a range of integrated degree programmes that are unique in Switzerland. We place great emphasis on excellent supervision and on ensuring close links between teaching and research.
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, with its ten institutes and departments focuses on interdisciplinarity and innovation in research and teaching. The faculty offers its nearly 700 students a range of integrated degree programmes that are unique in Switzerland. We place great emphasis on excellent supervision and on ensuring close links between teaching and research.
The Department of Political Science is a young and fast-growing department. As of September 1, 2026, we are looking for a fixed-term position (up to 5 years) for a
Post-doctoral Researcher and Lecturer in Political Science 50% (Oberassistent*in)
Responsibilities
- Teaching one seminar per semester (in English and/or German), preferably in political behaviour, political communication, or comparative politics.
- Empirical independent research in the fields of political behaviour, public opinion, political communication, and/or comparative politics.
- Supervision of BA/MA theses and seminar papers.
- Support of the Chair of Political Behaviour and Communication with teaching activities, exams, and related tasks.
- A small share of administrative and departmental duties.
Requirements
- A PhD in Political Science or a closely related field (defended, or close to completion), with preference for the subfields of political behaviour, public opinion and/or political communication.
- Strong interest in and ability for excellent academic research, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, third-party funding, conference presentations, or related activities.
- Solid skills in quantitative methods.
- Dedication and ability to work independently.
- Strong command of English; German is an asset but not required.
What we offer
- A position of up to five years with a working percentage of 50%.
- Opportunity to apply for (joint) research funding.
- A stimulating environment to develop an independent academic career in a young and dynamic department.
- The position is located in Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most beautiful and better located cities.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Alexander H. Trechsel, alexander.trechsel@unilu.ch or Dr. Álvaro Canalejo-Molero, alvaro.canalejo@unilu.ch.
Please send your application electronically as one pdf-file comprising your letter of interest, CV (including publication list), a writing sample, and two names of people willing to provide references via application button below.
Please send your application electronically as one pdf-file comprising your letter of interest, CV (including publication list), a writing sample, and two names of people willing to provide references via application button below.
The closing date for applications is June 7, 2026. Interviews will take place shortly after.
