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.

As of 1 March 2026 or by agreement, we are advertising a

PhD Position in Sociology (100%, 4 years)

This position is part of a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), entitled “Translating refugee participation locally: Implications for the meaning of participation, organizational forms and refugees' voice(s)”, and led by Prof. Dr. Nadine Arnold. The project investigates how the concept of refugee participation is translated into everyday organizational practices. Drawing on insights from participation literature, migration studies, and organizational sociology, it empirically examines the construction of refugees' political voice(s), the shifting meanings of participation, and the role of organizational forms in these processes. Focus is placed on two contexts within Switzerland: established refugee-service organizations (e.g., public authorities, NGOs) that are expected to involve refugees in their decision-making processes, and refugee-led organizations, where participatory practices are embedded in the organization's DNA. As part of this project, two PhD positions are available, each with a different research focus.

Tasks

Complete a doctoral dissertation within the thematic scope of the project, focusing on refugee-led organizations
Conduct qualitative data collection and analysis in the field of refugee-led organizations
Collaborate with an international research team
Present papers at national and international conferences
Disseminate findings in academic outlets
Assist in organizing project-related events, such as workshops and symposia

Requirements

Master's degree in Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field (to be completed by the starting date at the latest)
German, French, and English language skills
Experience and/or training in qualitative research methods, especially participatory and/or ethnographic research methods
Experience or demonstrated sensitivity in engaging with individuals in vulnerable situations is a plus
Strong teamwork skills, self-organization, and motivation for conducting independent research
Regular presence

We offer

A fully funded, four-year PhD position, salaried according to SNSF standards
Dynamic collaboration and regular exchange with an international project team
Flexible working hours and a centrally located workplace at the university
Funding of research expenses (conferences)
Opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange and training within the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Lucerne (GSL)

Your application

A letter of motivation outlining your academic background, research interests, and motivation to join the project (max. 2 pages)
CV including academic qualifications, research experience, and language skills
MA thesis (If your thesis has not yet been submitted, please provide a substantial research paper from your MA studies as well as a detailed outline of your MA thesis project)
Copies of degree certificates

Please contact Prof. Dr. Nadine Arnold (nadine.arnold@unilu.ch) for further information.

Applications may be submitted until 21 November 2025 through the online application system

Apply now