Postdoctoral Researcher Social Inequalities

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

The Institute of Social Sciences at UNIL invites applications for a position as

Postdoctoral Researcher on Social Inequalities

Starting date : 01.09.2026 (or upon agreement)
Duration of contract : 18 months
Employment rate : 100%
Workplace :
University of Lausanne, Géopolis
Working language :
English
Yearly gross salary:
Year 1: CHF 85’819. Year 2: CHF 88’354.

The successful candidate contributes to the SNSF Starting Grant project “Liberal and radical equality of opportunity (EQUALOPP)” under the direction of Prof. Michael Grätz. The project aims at developing novel ways to measure inequality of opportunity using, among others, survey data from Switzerland, Germany, the UK, the US, and administrative data from Switzerland, Norway, and Sweden.

You are expected to work on single- and co-authored publications with the other project members (the PI, one PhD, and a further postdoc) with respect to inequality of opportunity. There are many possibilities to bring in your own ideas related to the topic of the project. You are expected to present preliminary findings of the project at international conferences.

More information on the project can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

You have the opportunity and are expected to contribute to the exciting intellectual life in Lausanne at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, which includes the LIVES research group with its focus on inequalities from a life course perspective and the university-wide LIVES community. There are also opportunities to collaborate with researchers at the Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences (FORS).

There are no teaching responsibilities associated with this position (but teaching may be arranged if you wish so). The position offers you a 18 month contract with a competitive salary, the possibility to contribute to an exciting, novel research project, to develop your research profile, and to be involved in a stimulating research environment. In addition, you get the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful parts of Europe.

See the detailed job description.

• A PhD in sociology, demography, economics, social policy, or another relevant discipline (it is possible to start the position before having completed the PhD but the thesis should be close to being defended).
• A strong interest and experience in research on social inequalities.
• Strong skills in quantitative methods and experience in the analysis of survey and/or administrative data.
• Strong command of R and/or Stata.
• A good research and publication record relative to career stage.
• A collaborative attitude and interest in teamwork.
• Fluency in English (working language), familiarity with French is not required.

We offer an ambitious but pleasant research environment and value teamwork highly. You will work in a multicultural, diversified, and dynamic academic environment. We provide possibilities of continuous training and funding to attend international conferences and summer schools. You will receive a good salary and can live in one of the most beautiful regions of Europe.

Prof. Michael Grätz
E‑Mail schreiben

• A motivation letter detailing the fit of your profile and interests to the research project, your interest in the position, and your ideas for research to be conducted if offered the position.
• CV, including a list of publications.
• A copy of the PhD (if available) and Master and Bachelor degrees, including the transcript of the grades.
• Two pieces of academic writing (preferably published or submitted journal articles, preferably single‑authored).
• The names and contact details of two to three academic referees who can be contacted.

Only applications through this website can be taken into account.

Final date to receive applications:
February 22, 2026

Interviews will take place in March 2026

UNIL is committed to:

• equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
• ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
• offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
• supporting early career researchers.

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