Applications are now open for the Fully Funded PhD Candidate and Graduate Teaching Assistant position at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland on the sociology of work and education. Deadline: October 26, 2025.
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is an internationally recognized institution, home to nearly students and staff members, committed to academic excellence and social responsibility. UNIL’s Institute of Social Sciences (ISS) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in the field of sociology, with a specific focus on work and education.
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This highly competitive role, which also includes responsibilities as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, is comparable in prestige to programs at top global universities. Pursuing doctoral research abroad requires careful planning, including understanding best student accommodation tips for settling in a new country and reviewing financial strategies like student loans for international students.
Scholarship Overview Summary: UNIL PhD Position
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Study Abroad | Study in Switzerland |
| Category | PhD Assistantship Sociology Position |
| Start Date | February 1, 2026 |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Reward | Fully Funded Competitive UNIL Assistant Salary Scale |
| Contract Duration | Maximum 5 years (1-year renewable twice for 2-year periods) |
| Deadline | October 26, 2025 |
The UNIL PhD position offers a competitive salary package as per the official UNIL assistant salary scale, ensuring financial support throughout the maximum five-year contract. The funding options for graduate students at UNIL are designed to ensure students can dedicate their time fully to research and academic excellence. Considering this opportunity means looking at one of the best ten reasons to study your Masters abroad. While you might be comparing it to tuition-free countries, the competitive salary here means it’s an excellent choice compared to affordable US universities. This high-value position represents a major step towards securing how to win a fully-funded scholarship at the graduate level.
Key Advantages of the UNIL PhD Position
The position is full-time (100%) and is split equally between research and academic support, offering a balanced entry into academia. This role offers deep integration into the LIVES-ISS research center, a vibrant hub for life-course and inequality research, in partnership with the University of Geneva.
The key advantages include
- Financial Stability: A competitive salary on the UNIL assistant scale with annual progression.
- Career Support: Integration into a dynamic, internationally connected research environment with access to doctoral training programs, research seminars, and conference funding.
- Dual Experience: Gaining research experience (50% of workload) and essential teaching skills (50% of workload).
This opportunity is an excellent launchpad for your academic career, significantly enhancing your research profile for future roles that may require a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). This distinction sets itself apart, much like the difference between the GKS tracks explained in fully funded program comparisons. Reviewing questions to help you decide if studying abroad is right for you can help solidify your decision to pursue this path.
Prestige and the Swiss Advantage
The position is based in Lausanne-Dorigny, a stimulating and diverse academic community in a beautiful location by Lake Geneva, offering a high quality of life. This integration into the LIVES-ISS Center provides high-quality supervision and mentorship throughout the doctoral journey.
Eligibility Criteria & Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate needs a Master’s degree in social sciences with outstanding academic results. The best way to secure this position is to learn how to apply for scholarships successfully by focusing on excellence in your application materials. Emphasizing the top qualities of scholarship winners will prove critical. While a strong academic record is expected, if you have ever had to explain low GPA in personal statements, the strength of your research interests and writing sample will be key differentiators.
Academic Requirements and Preparation
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following profile requirements:
- A Master’s degree in social sciences (e.g., sociology, social policy, economics, demography, psychology, or related disciplines).
- Strong interest in empirical research related to vocational education, labor market dynamics, or educational inequality (gender and migration focus preferred).
- Existing skills or strong motivation to develop expertise in quantitative research methods and statistical software (R, Python, Stata).
- Strong academic writing skills and the ability to communicate research in English.
Once enrolled, success is about balancing research and teaching. We recommend utilizing proven methods such as these mind-blowing study tips and adopting structured techniques like the Cornell method study hack for note-taking. For balancing teaching and research, effective time management using the Pomodoro Technique is highly recommended.
The Critical Role of Language and Application Documents
Proficiency in French is required, particularly for the teaching support component of the role. Your application package must stand out.
- Writing Sample: A strong academic writing sample (e.g., master’s thesis chapter, research paper) is mandatory.
- References: Names of two academic referees are required (letters are not needed at the application stage).
When reaching out to potential referees, consult our detailed resource on how to ask for a recommendation letter to ensure your professional correspondence is top-notch. Furthermore, while standardized tests like the GRE are not explicitly mentioned, ensuring all necessary prerequisites are met is vital, so check our guide on do you require the GRE to study abroad? The quality of your submission must be as polished as a successful Chevening scholarship essay that wins.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the UNIL PhD position requires a specific set of documents and mandatory submission through the official online platform.
Document Preparation for a Winning Application
Your application documents must clearly articulate your research potential and fit for the sociology of work and education focus.
- Cover Letter: Outlining your motivation and fit for the specific research focus. Consult our comprehensive guide on why I deserve this scholarship essay to structure your narrative effectively.
- CV: Including your academic background and the names of two academic referees.
- Academic Proofs: Copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s).
- Writing Sample: An academic writing sample (e.g., master’s thesis chapter, research paper).
Ensure your cover letter is highly persuasive by learning how to write a winning scholarship essay that truly reflects your potential. For managing complex research ideas, consider applying the interleaving study technique to your preparatory work.
Final Submission and Follow-up
- Prepare Documents: Assemble your cover letter, CV (with referees’ names), academic certificates/transcripts, and writing sample.
- Use Official Platform: Applications must be submitted exclusively via UNIL’s official platform.
- Format: Ensure all documents are uploaded in Word or PDF format.
- Awaits Decision: Successful candidates will be contacted for further steps, likely including interviews.
Application Deadline: October 26, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. What is the UNIL PhD position focused on?
- The position is focused on the sociology of work and education, specifically dealing with empirical research into vocational training, labor market segmentation, and educational inequality.
- 2. Is the PhD position fully funded?
- Yes, the position is fully funded, meaning the candidate will receive a competitive salary based on the official UNIL assistant salary scale with annual progression.
- 3. What is the contract duration?
- The initial contract duration is one year, renewable twice for two-year periods, for a maximum total duration of five years.
- 4. What is the expected workload split?
- The workload is 100%, split equally: 50% dedicated to PhD research and 50% dedicated to teaching and academic support.
- 5. Is fluency in French mandatory?
- Proficiency in French is required, particularly for successfully carrying out the graduate teaching assistant responsibilities. Academic writing is expected in English.
- 6. What kind of research methods are preferred?
- The position requires existing skills or strong motivation to develop expertise in quantitative research methods, including familiarity with statistical software like R, Python, or Stata.
- 7. What is the application deadline?
- The firm application deadline for the PhD Candidate and Graduate Teaching Assistant position is October 26, 2025.
- 8. Where is the workplace located?
- The primary workplace is the University of Lausanne’s main campus in Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland.
- 9. What type of writing sample is required?
- An academic writing sample, such as a master’s thesis chapter or a research paper, is required to demonstrate writing and research capabilities.
- 10. Do I need to provide reference letters now?
- No, you only need to provide a CV that includes the names of two academic referees. Reference letters are not required at the initial application stage.
