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 Health Sciences and Medicine promotes research and teaching in the fields of health, medicine, functional capacity and rehabilitation. Our mission is to improve health and well-being for all by creating a diverse, inclusive environment for innovative research, education and services.

As of 1 October 2025 or by agreement, we are looking to fill a

PhD position (100%)

(SNSF project: “Party politics and the politicization of health care”)

This project investigates how political parties in Western democracies have politicized health care along economic and cultural lines since the 1960s. Using manifesto text analysis, new survey data, and survey experiments, the project seeks to understand how political debates around health care reflect broader ideological polarization and electoral divides. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and led by Assistant Professor David Weisstanner (PI). The PhD candidate will be part of a project team consisting of the PI, a postdoctoral researcher, two student assistants, and several international partners.

We are looking for a PhD candidate who will contribute original research and write a doctoral dissertation within the overall topic of this research project.

Responsibilities:

Conduct high-quality research toward a PhD thesis, both independently and with the project team
Design and implement a cross-national voter survey and survey experiment
Assist with data collection and coding of party manifestos
Present research at workshops and national/international conferences
Support teaching activities

Requirements:

Master's degree in political science, health sciences, sociology, economics, or related fields
Strong interest or experience in the substantive field of the project
Strong training in quantitative methods and data analysis (Stata, R, etc.), as demonstrated in a Master's thesis, seminar paper, or similar.
Experience with survey design or experimental methods is a plus (not a must)
Passion for research and ability to work independently
Excellent English skills (written and spoken)
Team-oriented and collaborative work attitude

What we offer:

Four-year employment in a PhD position salaried according to SNSF standards
Being part of a vibrant and ambitious team
Opportunity to collaborate and publish articles with the team
Active role in shaping a new research project, including the opportunity to contribute your own ideas and scholarly perspectives
Excellent working conditions in a fast-growing and interdisciplinary faculty at the University of Lucerne
Support for conference attendance, international networking, and continuing education (funding available)
Opportunities for international exchanges (e.g. with the project partners at Aarhus University, University of Montreal, University of Lüneburg, University of Konstanz)

Application:
Please submit your application as a single PDF file including:

A motivation letter (max. 2 pages), outlining your qualifications, research interests, and fit for the position
CV with the names and contact details of at least one academic referee willing to provide a reference
One writing sample (Master's thesis or substantial seminar paper) that demonstrates your quantitative research skills
Academic transcripts and diplomas (Bachelor, Master). If you have not yet concluded your Master's degree, please provide the expected graduation date and a current full transcript of records.

The University of Lucerne is an equal opportunities employer. The Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine embraces inclusion and diversity as key values and implements specific measures to remove any barriers in the recruitment process and career progression.

For further information, please contact David Weisstanner, david.weisstanner@unilu.ch.

Please submit your application by 30 June 2025 using the button below.

Apply now