Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

The Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP) at the University of Lausanne invites applications for a PhD position in the "Public Law and Regulation" research unit headed by Prof. Sophie Weerts. IDHEAP is the largest university and interdisciplinary training, research and expertise unit in Switzerland dedicated entirely and exclusively to the public sector. We offer excellent research support in a dynamic public policy and public administration research community and are committed to promoting the careers of young scholars.

Presentation

Are you interested in the topic of regulating AI and the algorithmic state? Are you enthusiastic about developing research at the crossroads between Public Administration and Public Law. Join our research team in the project “Regulating the Algorithmic State with Regulatory Sandboxes”. The project will explore issues of experimental regulation and administrative authorities in the context of the deployment and uses of AI systems in public administration. In this context, it will map the practices of public authorities and explore legal and organizational issues regarding such implementation tools.

Job information

Expected start date in position : March 1, 2025 (or by arrangement)

Contract length : 1 year, renewable maximum 4 years

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Lausanne

Your responsibilities

The ideal candidate is sensitive to interdisciplinary work and interested in conducting sociolegal analysis in public law in the context of Public Administration studies. They will have to write a PhD thesis within the framework of the project (topic related to algorithmic state and experimental approach in regulations). Their tasks will involve comparative legal text and case law analysis and administrative tasks related to the project (such as contributing to the organisation of conferences or workshops).

Your qualifications

-    Master's degree in law or public administration (with a bachelor in law or with a strong legal background)
-    Interest in public law
-    Good knowledge of legal methods and sensitive to interdisciplinary work and sociolegal studies
-    Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
-    Innovative, accurate, reliable and persistent;
-    Excellent knowledge of English; Excellent knowledge of French or German.

What the position offers you

-    Integration in a young, but dynamic research group in a leading department of public administration with highly motivated and engaged members
-    Funding for full time (100%) for four years, subject to approval of the PhD proposal by the end of the first year
-    Attractive salary and additional financial support for conferences and methodological courses

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

Contact for further information

Further inquiries can be directed to Prof. Sophie Weerts E-Mail schreiben 

Your application

Deadline : 15.01.2025

Please send your full application (letter of motivation, current CV, transcripts, master's thesis (including a short summary), and the contact information of two people who are willing to serve as references) in a PDF.
Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

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.

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