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PhD position in Social Work (50%)

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PhD position in Social Work (50%)

University of Neuchâtel logoUniversity of Neuchâtel
Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Deadline: 2026-11-15
Posted: Sep 30, 2026

NL Highlights

Conduct independent research for an empirical PhD thesis in social work, focusing on areas like social policy, inequality, or migration.
Support teaching and tutoring in qualitative research methods and social work theories.
Actively participate in the development and growth of the Transdisciplinary Institute of Social Work (ITTS).

Details

Salary & Funding

Salary is set in accordance with the regulation of the University of Neuchâtel.

Contact Info

messagerie.itts@unine.ch

Eligibility

Master's degree in social work, sociology, anthropology, political science, or a related field.
Minimum 4.75 grade average (Swiss grading system).
Minimum 5 for MA Thesis (Swiss grading system).
Excellent knowledge in qualitative research methods.

Next Steps

1
Submit application via email to messagerie.itts@unine.ch.
2
Include a motivation letter (max. 1 page).
3
Include a brief description of potential PhD thesis ideas (max. 1-2 pages).
4
Include CV.

Opportunity Overview

PhD position in Social Work (50%)

ITTS, Faculty of Economics and Business University of Neuch tel

The Transdisciplinary Institute of Social Work (ITTS) is pleased to invite applications for a 50% PhD position in Social Work. The position will start on or after 1 January 2027.

Your tasks

  • Conduct research for your (empirical) PhD thesis in the field of social work (social policy, inequality, migration and related fields).
  • Support teaching and tutoring activities in qualitative methods for the social sciences and in social work theories.
  • Participate in the development of the ITTS.

The successful candidate is expected to pursue a PhD in social work within the ITTS PhD program, either as an existing ITTS PhD student or as a new doctoral candidate who will enroll in the program and secure appropriate supervision.

Your profile

  • You hold a master s degree in social work, sociology, anthropology, political science or a related field, and you meet the formal admission requirements of the ITTS PhD program: minimum 4.75 grade average and minimum 5 for the MA Thesis (Swiss grading system).
  • You have excellent knowledge in (some of) qualitative research methods.
  • You have strong social and communication skills.
  • You are able to work in an English-speaking environment (see ITTS PhD program) and will be able to write your thesis in either English, French, German or Italian.

What we offer

  • The opportunity to independently work on your PhD thesis, while having the support of a PhD program and its peers.
  • The opportunity to develop mentoring and teaching skills.
  • Excellent working conditions (university, infrastructure, city, sports facilities).

Working environment

The University of Neuch tel provides excellent conditions for research, and is conveniently located near the lake of Neuch tel, with outstanding infrastructure and quality of life (see https://www.unine.ch/etudier/en/why-study-at-unine/life-in-neuchatel/). Salary is set in accordance with the regulation of the University of Neuch tel.

Application procedure and deadline

Please send your application by e-mail to messagerie.itts@unine.ch. It must include a motivation letter (max. 1 page); a brief description of potential ideas for your (empirical) PhD thesis (max. 1-2 pages), CV, writing sample (MA thesis or other), copies of diplomas and grades transcripts.

Applications will be processed as soon as they are received, with a deadline on November 15th 2026.

For information about our institute please visit our webpage.

If you need further information, please send your specific questions to messagerie.itts@unine.ch before the application deadline.

The University of Neuch tel is actively committed to implementing its responsibility and offers non-discriminatory working conditions.