Introduction
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a higher teaching and research institution composed of seven faculties where nearly 17,000 students and 5,000 collaborators, professors, and researchers work and study. Ideally situated along the lake of Geneva, near Lausanne’s city center, its campus brings together over 120 nationalities.
Presentation
The Institute of Geography and Sustainability (IGD) seeks to fill a position of Graduate Assistant in Geography – Agricultural Water Heritage. This position is linked to the research group of Prof. Emmanuel Reynard and the collective “Margins, Environment, Landscapes”.
The IGD is an interdisciplinary community of about 130 academics that work in the fields of Geography and Sustainability. With 27 professors and lecturers, and more than 60 PhD students and Post-docs, the department offers a vibrant, stimulating environment for cutting-edge research. It hosts regular lecture series and distinguished guest researchers from around the world.
Job information
Starting date:01.08.2025
Contract length: 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years
Activity rate: 80%
Workplace: University of Lausanne, IGD, Sion UNIL Campus, Bramois, Switzerland
Your responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake personal research for a doctorate in the field of geography. The research topic will focus on agricultural water heritage. The research will be conducted as part of the LABEAU project “Observatory of water use on a regional scale”. A description of the LABEAU project – Observatory of water use on a regional scale is available from Prof. Emmanuel Reynard (emmanuel.reynard@unil.ch).
The successful candidate will devote at least half of their working time (i.e., at least 40% out of the total 80%) to their PhD research, with the remaining time reserved for supporting research and teaching of Prof. Emmanuel Reynard in the fields of water management (Bachelor level) and mountain geography (Master level).
Your qualifications
The successful candidate is expected to have earned a Master degree (or equivalent) in Geography. Good knowledge of geomatics and/or qualitative methods would be an asset.
Proficiency in English and good level in French are expected (French is the teaching language at UNIL as well as the main idiom of interaction within IGD.)
What the position offers you
We offer a stimulating work environment and atmosphere, with dedicated support for developing an academic career. Members of our research groups become part of international networks and benefit from opportunities to attend conferences and workshops around the world.
We offer an excellent remuneration package and additional funds for fieldwork and conferences. Different formation opportunities are possible at UNIL or in Swiss institutions that promote doctoral research.
Your application
Application deadline: 05.05.2025 (recruitment interviews will take place on May 21st, 2025)
Please submit the following documents in PDF format only via the career website of the University of Lausanne:
– Letter of motivation;
– Full CV;
– A short proposal (2-3 pages) for doctoral research specifically linked to the job description;
– Scans of university degrees and course transcripts/marks;
– The Master thesis (and a research paper, if available).
Only applications submitted through the following website will be considered.
Contact for further information
Prof. Emmanuel Reynard (emmanuel.reynard@unil.ch)
Personal page: https://igd.unil.ch/reynard/
Additional information
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.
