Fully Funded PhD Position in Switzerland 2027 | University of Lucerne
The University of Lucerne in Switzerland is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Welfare State Transformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. The opportunity is based at the Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR) and is ideal for graduates interested in artificial intelligence, social policy, labour markets, political science and technology governance.
The successful candidate will join a four-year European Research Council (ERC)-funded research project examining how artificial intelligence is transforming welfare states and social protection systems across OECD countries.
Applications are open to qualified candidates with a relevant master’s degree and an interest in researching the social, political and economic implications of emerging technologies.
Job Overview
- Position: PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher
- Research Project: Welfare State Transformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
- Institution: University of Lucerne
- Research Institute: Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR)
- Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
- Employment: 100%
- Duration: Four years
- Start Date: 1 January 2027 or by mutual agreement
- Funding: Fully funded
- Application Deadline: 15 November 2026
About the Research Project
The doctoral position forms part of the ERC Starting Grant project ‘(Re)distributive Politics after the AI Revolution’ (REPAIR), led by Professor Juliana Chueri.
The project investigates how artificial intelligence affects welfare state politics, employment and social protection across OECD countries. Rather than assuming that technology determines social outcomes, the research examines how political institutions, public policies and collective choices shape the effects of AI on society.
The doctoral researcher will contribute to two main areas: examining how political actors describe the opportunities and challenges AI creates for labour markets, and investigating public support for welfare policies and institutional reforms designed to address AI-related labour market disruptions.
The successful applicant will work within an international team of four researchers and contribute to comparative research and shared research infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
The PhD candidate will be expected to:
- Conduct independent doctoral research on welfare state transformation, labour market regulation and AI-driven automation.
- Contribute to comparative indicators, surveys and cross-national research.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed international academic journals as part of a cumulative dissertation.
- Support research activities, grant management and the organisation of workshops and conferences.
- Present research findings at international conferences.
- Participate in the project’s international research network.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold a completed master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Economics or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrate an interest in welfare state institutions, labour market regulation, social policy, technology governance or political economy.
- Have strong knowledge of quantitative research methods and experience with programming languages such as R, Stata or Python, or the willingness and ability to develop these skills.
- Have excellent written and spoken English.
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively within an international research team.
- Demonstrate strong communication, organisation and self-management skills.
Candidates interested in the relationship between artificial intelligence, public policy and social protection may find this opportunity particularly relevant.
Benefits of the PhD Position
The University of Lucerne offers a fully funded, full-time doctoral position for four years, providing an opportunity to complete a PhD within an internationally recognised research project.
Additional benefits include:
- Integration into an ERC-funded research project with an international network.
- Opportunities to publish academic research and present findings internationally.
- Career mentoring and professional development support.
- A collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- A modern workplace close to Zug railway station.
- Employment conditions governed by the personnel regulations of the Canton of Lucerne.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents as a single PDF file:
- Motivation letter: Maximum two pages, explaining your academic profile, interest in the position and REPAIR project, and connection to the research themes.
- Curriculum vitae: Including education, work experience, publications and other relevant activities.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Master’s thesis abstract: A short description in English.
- Writing sample: An English-language seminar paper, thesis or publication.
- Two academic references: Include their contact details.
Applicants should ensure that all documents are prepared in English and included in one PDF file before submission.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official University of Lucerne recruitment portal.
Application deadline: 15 November 2026.
For further information, applicants may contact Professor Juliana Chueri at juliana.chueri@zibr.ch.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Final Thoughts
This fully funded doctoral opportunity offers graduates the chance to investigate how artificial intelligence is reshaping employment, social protection and welfare state institutions. Candidates with backgrounds in political science, sociology, economics, public administration or related disciplines can use the position to develop advanced research skills and contribute to international debates about technology and public policy.
Applicants should review the official vacancy announcement carefully and submit their complete application before the deadline.
Funded PhD / Funded PhD / Funded PhD / Funded PhD / Funded PhD / Funded PhD /
