Fully Funded PhD in Switzerland: University of Lucerne Offers 4-Year Position on AI and the Future of the Welfare State

Fully Funded PhD in Switzerland: University of Lucerne Offers 4-Year Position on AI and the Future of the Welfare State. Applicants with a relevant Master’s degree can apply for this doctoral research opportunity starting in January 2027.

Background & Job Description

The University of Lucerne in Switzerland is inviting applications for a full-time PhD Candidate/Doctoral Researcher position under the European Research Council-funded REPAIR project, titled “(Re)distributive Politics after the AI Revolution.”

Led by Professor Juliana Chueri, the project examines how artificial intelligence affects labour markets, welfare state politics and social protection across OECD countries.

The position is fully funded for four years, with an anticipated start date of 1 January 2027, or another date by mutual agreement.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

Conduct doctoral research on AI-driven automation, welfare states and labour market regulation.
Contribute to comparative research, surveys and cross-national analysis.
Publish findings in international peer-reviewed journals.
Develop a cumulative doctoral dissertation based on research publications.
Participate in workshops, conferences and international research activities.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in:

Political Science
Public Administration
Sociology
Economics
A closely related discipline

Candidates should demonstrate an interest in welfare state institutions, labour market regulation, social policy, technology governance or political economy.

A strong quantitative research background is important. Experience with R, Stata or Python is expected, although applicants who can demonstrate the motivation and ability to develop these skills may also be considered.

Excellent written and spoken English, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are also required.

What the University Offers

The position provides:

Four years of fully funded doctoral employment.
Participation in an ERC-funded international research project.
Opportunities to publish academic research and attend conferences.
Career mentoring and professional development.
Flexible working arrangements.
A collaborative research environment.

The source does not specify the exact salary amount.

Documents Required

Applicants must prepare one PDF containing:

A motivation letter of no more than two pages.
A curriculum vitae.
University transcripts and degree certificates.
An English abstract or short description of the Master’s thesis.
An English writing sample, such as a thesis, seminar paper or academic publication.
Contact details for two academic referees.

Application Deadline

15 November 2026

The anticipated starting date is 1 January 2027, unless otherwise agreed.

How to Apply

Applicants should consult the University of Lucerne’s official vacancy announcement for the application procedure and submission details.

Official university website: https://www.unilu.ch/

The supplied announcement does not include a direct application portal, so applicants should locate the specific doctoral vacancy through the university’s official recruitment channels before submitting documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the University of Lucerne PhD fully funded?

According to the supplied announcement, the position offers four years of fully funded doctoral employment.

2. What is the application deadline?

The stated deadline is 15 November 2026.

3. Which academic backgrounds are eligible?

Applicants with a relevant Master’s degree in political science, public administration, sociology, economics or a closely related discipline may apply.

4. Is programming experience required?

Experience with R, Stata or Python is expected. Applicants who can demonstrate the ability and motivation to develop their technical skills may also be considered.

5. When does the PhD position begin?

The planned start date is 1 January 2027, or another date by mutual agreement.

Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares this opportunity for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the University of Lucerne or the REPAIR project. Applicants should verify the vacancy details and application procedure through official university channels.

SEO Keywords: fully funded PhD Switzerland 2026, University of Lucerne PhD, AI PhD Switzerland, doctoral scholarships Switzerland, PhD political science Europe, artificial intelligence research PhD, welfare state research, funded doctoral positions 2027

APPLY NOW