We welcome motivated candidates who are eager to conduct impactful, theory-informed work within international Horizon Europe projects.

We are looking for curious minds ready to co-create innovative solutions and help shape the social and educational dimensions of transformation in education and agroecological systems.

You will write a PhD dissertation in the field of Education/Economics, Sociology, work under the supervision of Prof. Patrik Aspers and PD Dr. Sabine Hoidn, and be enrolled in a PhD programme at the University of St. Gallen (www.dok.unisg.ch). Formal prerequisite is an excellent Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., education, sociology, economics, technology studies).

Successful candidates will conduct rigorous research in education/economics/sociology within an interdisciplinary research team, contributing to at least two cutting-edge Horizon Europe Social Science projects in Cluster 6 - Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment and Horizon Europe Missions Calls - Co-creating solutions for soil health in Living Labs (see https://sfs.unisg.ch/en/research/horizon-europe-projekte/). PhD candidates will conduct academic research in the context of these Horizon Europe research projects in one of the following thematic areas. 

• Analysis of agricultural/agroforestry markets, socio-economic data, and the impacts of digital applications and policy strategies;
• Assessing and mitigating inequalities in agroforestry and land-use decision-making;
• Awareness raising, stakeholder engagement, training and capacity building, co-design of user-oriented (online) training formats and materials for key actors,
  and facilitation of interactive, multi-actor processes.

The final research focus will be defined jointly during the onboarding phase, taking into account the successful candidate’s disciplinary background, interests, and the evolving project needs.

The PhD Assistants are expected to proactively engage in practice-oriented and user-centred project work and contribute to outputs (literature reviews, study design, data analysis, coutreach/exploitation activities, peer-reviewed publications, grant proposal writing,  etc.), will also assist in administrative and teaching activities and are expected to work in their office in St. Gallen on a daily basis. 

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Education, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Technology/Innovation Studies or related studies), with very good grades (GPA of at least 5.0, equals 2.0 in Germany and Austria), completed by summer 2025 latest.
• Strong interest in and/or documented experience in doing innovative academic research in the areas outlined.
• Strong interest in contributing to interdisciplinary research projects in an international and interdisciplinary team (and possibly co-leading project tasks). 
• Practical knowledge of how to do qualitative and/or quantitative research.
• High level of commitment and willingness to engage with questions at the interface between research and practice.
• Strong analytical abilities, high level of personal initiative and goal orientation, and flexibility.
• Ability to meet deadlines and contribute collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. German language skills are an advantage.

The successful candidates will collaborate with Sabine Hoidn (project leader) and her research team in EU cutting-edge research projects. The position is based at the Research Institute of Sociology (SfS) and associated with the Chair of Sociology. We offer a stimulating and supportive environment with a vibrant team of researchers and excellent working conditions. The candidates will have opportunities to further their academic career, collaborate with other members of the SfS research group (e.g., joint publications, teaching), and develop a strong academic network. Funding for scientific conferences, additional training and research activities may be provided. Remuneration will be in accordance with HSG guidelines for doctoral students. 

Please apply with a curriculum vitae (including current or expected degrees, research experience, methods skills, project work, publications, teaching experience), a motivation letter describing the reasons for applying for this position in the given discipline(s), including a description of research interests (1-2 pages), a writing sample (e.g., master thesis or a term paper) and the names of two academic referees (who may be contacted).

For more information, please contact PD Dr. Sabine Hoidn (sabine.hoidn@unisg.ch).