Vacancies
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR)
Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR)
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, two academies and two university research centres. 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 800 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 800 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.
As of August 1, 2026, or by agreement, we are looking to fill the following position for the “Zug Institute for Blockchain Research" within the Department of Political Science:
Professor of "Political Economy and Blockchain" (100%, open rank)
The successful candidate will play an active role in establishing the interdisciplinary Zug Institute for Blockchain Research at the University of Lucerne. Based in the Canton of Zug, the institute is planned to consist of a total of nine professorships from four different faculties at the University of Lucerne. The newly appointed professorships and their research teams will focus on the social, political, legal and economic consequences of blockchain technology. The aim is to create an institute for blockchain research with a human sciences focus that is unique in the world in terms of its breadth and diversity.
As the holder of the professorship (m/f/d), you will be responsible for the subject area “Political Economy and Blockchain" and deal with the political-economic challenges posed by the development of blockchain technology. Possible fields of research (non-exhaustive) include the politically relevant effects of blockchain technology on governance, institutions, economic policy, and the challenges posed by these technologies for states and international financial systems. The post holder will teach in the field of “Political Economy and Blockchain", represent the subject sustainably and visibly in research and participate in further education. A qualification in other areas of political science and their interfaces with digitalization is also desirable.
You will supplement the teaching of the Political Science Department with lectures and seminars by teaching at Bachelor level, depending on your profile, in areas such as the foundations of (comparative) political economy, international political economy, but also in fields related to political economy, such as climate change, digitalization, economic and social inequality, as well as geopolitical economic challenges. At Master's level, the professorship is expected to contribute to teaching in the appropriate degree programs in which the Department of Political Science participates. In addition, you will actively participate in the development of further study programs. Your experience with interdisciplinary study programs is an advantage
As the holder of the professorship (m/f/d), you will be responsible for the subject area “Political Economy and Blockchain" and deal with the political-economic challenges posed by the development of blockchain technology. Possible fields of research (non-exhaustive) include the politically relevant effects of blockchain technology on governance, institutions, economic policy, and the challenges posed by these technologies for states and international financial systems. The post holder will teach in the field of “Political Economy and Blockchain", represent the subject sustainably and visibly in research and participate in further education. A qualification in other areas of political science and their interfaces with digitalization is also desirable.
You will supplement the teaching of the Political Science Department with lectures and seminars by teaching at Bachelor level, depending on your profile, in areas such as the foundations of (comparative) political economy, international political economy, but also in fields related to political economy, such as climate change, digitalization, economic and social inequality, as well as geopolitical economic challenges. At Master's level, the professorship is expected to contribute to teaching in the appropriate degree programs in which the Department of Political Science participates. In addition, you will actively participate in the development of further study programs. Your experience with interdisciplinary study programs is an advantage
In addition to high-quality teaching, you will also have an outstanding research record. This results from research achievements such as national and international publications, third-party funding acquired to date, as well as prizes and other awards, in accordance with the academic age to be calculated. The “Zug Institute for Blockchain Research at the University of Lucerne" expects the professorship's research to make a visible contribution to national and international debates on “Political Economy and Blockchain" through relevant publications and the acquisition of third-party funding.
The recruitment requirements are based on § 2 of the appointment regulations of the University of Lucerne. A completed doctorate is required for the position, for a full professorship additionally a habilitation or habilitation-equivalent achievements in political science. For an assistant professorship with tenure track, a doctorate and a subsequent project for a habilitation in political science are both required. Part-time professorships are possible.
A positive work environment and supporting students and academic staff at all levels are very important to the University of Lucerne. Therefore, in addition to having high qualifications in teaching and research, we are also looking for someone who has excellent social skills and teamwork abilities, a high level of motivation for implementing equal opportunity policies, an eagerness to supervise doctoral and post-doctoral scientists, and a high level of willingness to engage in administrative responsibilities. We also expect an openness to collaborate in both teaching and research across faculties. Teaching in English and German is possible.
The University of Lucerne explicitly encourages qualified female scientists to apply as part of its mission to increase the representation of women in research and teaching. We particularly invite applications from people with disabilities, people of color, and people who identify as members of racial or ethnic minorities in the Swiss context in order to further diversity and equal opportunity. The University of Lucerne promotes work-life balance.
We provide a stimulating work environment at a vibrant faculty, ideal circumstances for your continued growth, and a place of employment with a high quality of life. A motivated and committed team will support you.
The employment conditions adhere to the personnel laws of the Canton of Lucerne.
Prof. Dr. Adam Hayes, the chair of the appointment committee, can provide you with additional information about the application process at adam.hayes@unilu.ch. Please email Prof. Dr. Alexander H. Trechsel, at alexander.trechsel@unilu.ch, with any questions you may have about the position's specific requirements. Talks and interviews with candidates are expected to take place in early May, 2026.
Your application is due on February 1, 2026. We kindly ask you to apply via https://selectus.unilu.ch/position/5668866 and according to the guidelines in our guide.
