Two PhD Positions in Public Economics and Political Economy

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.

unil.ch/work

Presentation

The Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP) at the University of Lausanne invites applications for two PhD positions in Public economics and Political economy. The successful candidates will pursue a doctoral dissertation in public economics, political economy, or at the intersection of these fields, under the supervision of Professor Laure Athias.

Job information

• Starting date: October 1, 2026, or a later date by mutual agreement
• Contract duration: One year, renewable for two additional periods of two years, up to a maximum of five years
• Employment rate: 80%
• At least 50 per cent of working hours will be devoted to writing a thesis / A maximum of 50 per cent of working hours will be devoted to the resarch unit
• Workplace: IDHEAP, University of Lausanne

Your responsibilities

• Conduct original research leading to the completion of a PhD dissertation
• Contribute to teaching and student supervision
• Contribute, to a limited extent, to consulting projects for public authorities

Your qualifications

Applicants must hold, or be close to completing, a master’s degree in economics or an equivalent qualification.
The ideal candidate will have:

• Excellent quantitative skills, particularly in data analysis and econometrics
• A strong background in public economics, political economy, or related fields
• Intellectual curiosity, rigor, reliability, and perseverance
• Excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of French is an asset but is not required.

What the position offers you

• A stimulating, international, and multidisciplinary academic environment
• Dedicated supervision and opportunities to interact with researchers at IDHEAP and across the University of Lausanne
• Access to doctoral training and continuing education opportunities
• An attractive salary in accordance with the University of Lausanne salary scale "Assistants diplômés"
• Funding for research-related activities, subject to the applicable institutional rules