How do modern economies adapt to the challenges associated with technological change and the eco-social transition in a context of skill shortage and climate change? Join a vibrant team to find out!

Pursuing my PhD as part of the GOVPET project at HSG offered a stimulating environment in which I strengthened my analytical and methodological research skills and engaged in an excellent internation

The research project

GOVPET is concerned with how skill formation, labor markets, and modern economies more generally adapt to the challenges associated with technological change and the eco-social transition in a context of skill shortage and climate change. The project takes a comparative approach and studies Switzerland as well as other advanced democracies in international comparisons. For more information on GOVPET, please visit www.govpet.ch. For more information on Prof. Emmenegger, please visit www.pemmenegger.com. 

Applicants are expected to hold a MA/MSc degree in political science or related relevant disciplines. They should demonstrate the ability and motivation to pursue an academic career. The positions presuppose an interest in theory-driven empirical research on topics such as the political economy of skill formation, the politics of innovation and knowledge-based growth, and the effects of technology and the eco-social transition on modern economies with a particular focus on skills. Applicants should have excellent training in social science methodology. A good command of English, both spoken and written, is expected. Additional knowledge of one of Switzerland’s main languages is an advantage.

The positions start in July 2026 (or upon agreement) and is for a period of up to five years. The positions are full time (100%). The salary aligns with the directives of the University of St.Gallen and amounts to about 61,000 CHF in the first year. Within the confines of the overall project, the successful applicants will have freedom to develop their own independent research. Next to research and coursework according to the regulations of the PhD program, the doctoral researchers are expected to join the research team’s activities such as the annual doctoral workshops or the regular meetings with the prestigious academic advisory board. The positions offer opportunities to pursue further training (e.g. methods schools) and to attend scientific conferences.

Applicants should send their full application (in English), including cover letter, curriculum vitae, examples of their academic work (e.g., their MA dissertation or seminar papers), and copies of relevant certificates), to Prof. Patrick Emmenegger (patrick.emmenegger@unisg.ch) no later than January 31, 2026. For further inquiry, please send an email to Prof. Patrick Emmenegger.