PhD student

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 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 Institute of Political Science at the University of Lucerne invites applications for a PhD student (100%).

We offer a 4-year research position starting from the 1st of October 2026 (or by mutual agreement), working within the SNSF-funded research project “Pathways to Progression? Participation Capacity and Climate Policy Support”.

The doctoral candidate will write a dissertation on a topic situated within the broader research agenda of the project, which examines citizens' opportunities to participate in the transition to net zero influence climate policy support, perceptions of fairness, and political backlash. The precise focus of the dissertation will be developed in consultation with the principal investigator, taking into account the candidate's research interests and expertise.

The PhD student will contribute to developing a new comparative dataset on climate policy design across the electricity, buildings, and transport sectors in six European countries. Tasks will include conceptual development, policy research, data collection and coding, quantitative analysis, and the preparation of academic publications.

Applicants should hold a master's degree in political science, public policy, political economy, PPE, environmental social science, or a related discipline. We welcome candidates with an interest in comparative climate policy, inequality, or political behaviour. Experience with quantitative methods, data collection, or policy analysis is an advantage. Excellent English-language skills, the ability to work independently, and enthusiasm for collaborative research are expected.

There is no teaching obligation associated with this position, but the PhD student may conduct paid teaching assignments within the Institute of Political Science if desired.

Please submit your application, including a letter outlining your motivation and skills, as well as a CV, a writing sample (e.g., MA thesis or seminar paper), and your BA and MA level study transcripts – all in one single PDF file via our job portal.

We look forward to receiving your application by the 15th of July 2026
. Interviews are scheduled to be held 27th and 28th of July (remote or in Lucerne).