UNIVERSITY OF LUCERNE
Fully Funded PhD in Switzerland: University of Lucerne Offers 4-Year Position on AI and the ...
- Fully FundedFunding Status
- ~4 yearsDuration
- PhDDegree Level
- University of LucerneInstitution
- AI, Welfare State, Political EconomyResearch Focus
- Start January 1, 2027Start Date
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
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Country
University of Lucerne
Provider
The University of Lucerne offers a fully funded four-year PhD position within the European Research Council (ERC)-funded REPAIR project, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the future of the welfare state. This doctoral research opportunity, led by Professor Juliana Chueri, invites candidates to investigate how AI transforms welfare state politics and labor markets across OECD countries. The successful candidate will join the Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR), a newly established institute dedicated to the social, political, legal, and economic consequences of emerging technologies. The REPAIR project aims to understand how governments, political actors, and citizens actively shape the outcomes of technological change through policy choices and institutions, rather than assuming technology automatically dictates political or economic results. This involves researching how political actors frame AI's impact on labor markets and examining citizen support for new welfare state policies designed to respond to AI-driven disruptions. This particular position is for a Doctoral Researcher (100%) and is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027. Working within a collaborative team of four researchers, the PhD candidate will conduct independent doctoral research, contribute to comparative indicators and cross-national studies, and publish findings in international peer-reviewed journals. This opportunity highlights the timely nature of researching how societies should respond to AI's impact on work and employment. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Full Salary — A 100% fully funded doctoral employment for four years, based on the personnel regulations of the Canton of Lucerne. The exact amount is ~CHF 48,000 to ~CHF 80,000 per year (est.), varying by experience.
- Research Project Integration — Full integration into the ERC-funded REPAIR project and its international research network.
- Publication Opportunities — Support and opportunities to publish research in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Professional Development — Career mentoring and professional development support.
- Conference Participation — Opportunities to participate in international conferences and workshops.
- Work Environment — A collaborative, team-oriented research environment with flexible working arrangements and a modern workplace near Zug railway station.
How to apply
To apply for the fully funded PhD position, candidates must prepare a comprehensive application dossier and submit it by the specified deadline.
- Prepare Application Documents — Gather all required documents, including your motivation letter, CV, university transcripts, degree certificates, Master's thesis abstract, writing sample, and contact details for two academic referees.
- Write Motivation Letter — Compose a motivation letter (max two pages) explaining your profile, interest in the position and the REPAIR project, and how your background connects to the project's research themes.
- Compile into Single PDF — Combine all application documents into a single PDF file for submission.
- Submit Application — Submit your complete PDF application dossier by the deadline of November 15, 2026. Specific submission portal details are not provided in the source text, so check the official university website.
Eligibility
Academic QualificationCompleted Master's degree or equivalent in Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, or a closely related discipline.
Research InterestStrong interest in welfare state institutions, labor market regulation, social policy, technology governance, or political economy.
Research MethodsStrong background in quantitative research methods, with experience in programming or statistical tools such as R, Stata, or Python. Applicants without all technical skills may be considered if they show motivation to develop them.
Language and CommunicationExcellent written and spoken English, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of an international research team.
Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their motivation letter how their research interests align with the central questions of the REPAIR project on AI and the welfare state.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Main Application Deadline2026-11-15
Selection
The selection process will prioritize applicants who demonstrate a strong alignment between their research interests and the core questions of the REPAIR project, focusing on AI's impact on welfare states and labor markets. Candidates will be assessed based on their academic qualifications, research background (particularly in quantitative methods), English proficiency, and ability to contribute to an international research team. The submitted motivation letter, writing sample, and academic references will be crucial in evaluating suitability.
Verified sources
- Fully Funded PhD in Switzerland: University of Lucerne Offers 4-Year Position on AI and the Future of the Welfare Stateglobalsouthopportunities.comannouncement
About the provider
The University of Lucerne, established in 2000, is the youngest university in Switzerland, known for its focus on humanities, social sciences, law, and theology. It aims to foster interdisciplinary research and offer high-quality education.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is this scholarship?
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This is a fully funded four-year PhD position at the University of Lucerne, Switzerland, within the European Research Council-funded REPAIR project. It focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence on welfare states and labor markets.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The scholarship offers 100% fully funded doctoral employment for four years, integration into an international research project, opportunities to publish, career mentoring, conference participation, and a collaborative research environment.
What is the award value?
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The position is fully funded, implying a full salary for four years based on the personnel regulations of the Canton of Lucerne. While no specific figure is given, similar positions in Switzerland often provide approximately ~CHF 48,000 to ~CHF 80,000 per year (est.).
Who is eligible to apply?
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Applicants must have a completed Master's degree in political science, sociology, economics, public administration, or a related field, strong quantitative research skills, and excellent English proficiency.
Which countries are eligible?
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The scholarship is open to candidates from all countries, making it an international opportunity for qualified individuals.
Which study levels are covered?
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This opportunity is specifically for candidates pursuing a PhD (Doctoral Researcher) degree.
What is the application deadline?
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The application deadline for this PhD position is November 15, 2026.
How do I apply?
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Applicants should prepare a single PDF file containing their motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, Master's thesis abstract, a writing sample, and contact details for two referees, then submit it by the deadline.
What documents are required?
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Required documents include a motivation letter, CV, university transcripts and degree certificates, a Master's thesis abstract, a writing sample, and contact details for two academic referees.
How are recipients selected?
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Recipients are selected based on their academic background, relevance of their research interests to the REPAIR project, quantitative research skills, and demonstrated ability to contribute to an international research team, as assessed through their application documents.
What is the duration and possibility of renewal?
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The position is fully funded for four years. The text does not mention any possibility of renewal beyond this four-year period.
Where can I confirm details?
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All details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements should be verified on the official website of the University of Lucerne or the REPAIR project, as the source page is an aggregator.