Introduction
A leading international teaching and research institution, UNIL has nearly 5,000 staff members and 17,000 students, spread across the Dorigny campus and the CHUV and Epalinges sites. As an employer, it promotes excellence, recognition of individuals, and responsibility.
Presentation
The Institute of Geography and Sustainability (IGD) is advertising a position for a first assistant (postdoctoral researcher) in environmental humanities (100%). This position is attached to the research group of Prof. Sara Asu Schroer (Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences).
The IGD is an interdisciplinary institute with approximately 130 members working in the fields of geography and sustainability. With 24 professors and nearly 80 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, the IGD offers a stimulating, international, interdisciplinary environment conducive to high-level research. It regularly hosts renowned conferences and researchers from around the world.
Job-related information
Start date: 01.11.2026 (or as agreed)
Contract duration: 1 year, renewable for 2 years, maximum 3 years
Activity rate: 100%
Workplace: University of Lausanne, Institute of Geography and Sustainability, Géopolis, UNIL-Mouline, Lausanne, Switzerland
Your activities
The successful candidate will contribute to current debates in the field of environmental humanities internationally and will conduct an empirical field research program.
- 50% of working time will be devoted to developing a personal postdoctoral research project in the field of environmental humanities. The ability to critically and reflectively address issues related to the environment and sustainable development from an environmental humanities perspective is essential. Topics aligned with Professor Sara Asu Schroer’s research areas—conservation, anthropogenic landscape transformation, geo-sociality , drought, or the avian world—are particularly encouraged.
- 50% of the working time will be devoted to supporting teaching and conducting research, as well as participating in technical and administrative activities in support of the Chair in Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences, including the organization of workshops and conferences. Teaching responsibilities include developing and implementing (in collaboration with Professor Schroer) the courses “Ecologies of the Anthropocene: An Introduction to Environmental Humanities” (Bachelor’s level) and “Nature and Culture in the Anthropocene” (Master’s level), as well as supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s theses and participating in assessments.
Your profile
- The candidate must hold a doctorate in a discipline related to environmental humanities.
- Experience and theoretical training in environmental geography, anthropology, philosophy, history, postcolonial theory, STS or geo-anthropology are an asset.
- The candidate must demonstrate enthusiasm for teaching students from diverse disciplines, using collaborative, student-centered teaching approaches and critical pedagogies.
- In addition, there is an ability to produce high-quality research results as well as strong organizational skills and effective time management.
- Fluency in French and English is essential.
Your advantages
The IGD offers a stimulating environment and a culture conducive to developing a research career. IGD members are involved in international research networks, and graduate assistants are encouraged and supported to participate in these networks as well, particularly at the annual conferences.
The IGD offers a competitive salary and financial support for fieldwork and conference participation. Furthermore, various opportunities for further training are available either at UNIL or within Swiss organizations that promote postdoctoral research.
More information at unil.ch/travailler
Your application file
Application deadline: August 14, 2026, midnight (local time)
Interested candidates are requested to submit the following documents – in PDF format – via the University of Lausanne’s online system. Please submit all application documents in English :
- Cover letter
- Full CV
- A research statement (3 pages) outlining your research background and your plans for postdoctoral research
- A pedagogical statement (1 to 2 pages) outlining your philosophy and approach to teaching
- Scans of your university diplomas and transcripts
- Names and contact details of two reference persons
Only applications submitted through this website will be considered. Thank you for your understanding.
The selection interviews will take place on September 4, 2026.
For any further information
Prof. Sara Asu Schroer: saraasu.schroer@unil.ch
Remarks
UNIL is committed to:
• To promote equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
• To guarantee an open, respectful and supportive environment;
• To offer working conditions that allow for a balance between different aspects of life;
• To support the next generation of scientists.