Two PhD student positions in Sociology/Economics/Education (50-70%, 4 years) (m/f/d)
Your tasks
Successful candidates will conduct rigorous research in economic sociology and/or sociology of (economic) education within an interdisciplinary research team, contributing to one or two cutting-edge Horizon Europe Social Science projects in Cluster 6 - Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment: (1) Utilize data cube and Copernicus data (for decision-making, and in the form of open-source digital applications) for Food Security and European Independence in the EU agricultural sector; (2) Facilitate informed decision-making and mitigate gender inequalities for agroforestry systems in Africa through a network of living labs; (3) Community-led creation of living spaces in shifting landscapes for climate-resilient land use management and supporting the new European Bauhaus.
PhD candidates will conduct academic research in the context of these research projects in one of the following topic areas, subject to adjustment to the successful candidate's interests and skills.
- Analysis of agricultural/agroforestry market and socio-economic data, socio-economic impact analysis of new digital applications and strategy evaluation;
- Assessing and mitigating inequalities in agroforestry decision-making;
- Awareness raising, stakeholder engagement, training and capacity building, co-designing user-oriented (online) training activities and materials for key actors, and facilitating interactive and multi-actor processes.
The PhD students are expected to contribute to project outputs (conference papers, project reports/presentations, peer-reviewed publications etc.) and will also assist in administrative and teaching activities and are expected to work in their office in St. Gallen on a daily basis.
Your profile
- Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., sociology, economics, and/or education), completed by summer 2024 latest.
- Strong interest in and/or documented experience in doing academic research in the areas outlined.
- Practical knowledge of how to do qualitative research (it is advantegous to also have knowledge of quantative research methods).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. German language skills are an advantage.
Please apply with a curriculum vitae (including current or expected degrees and results of all university or otherwise relevant examinations), a motivation letter describing the reasons for applying for this position in the given discipline(s) (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).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Inspirational Work Environment
Executive Education
Network
Family & Career
Equal Opportunities
Fit and Healthy
Inspirational Work Environment
At the HSG, as Europe's leading business university, we operate in an entrepreneurial environment where you will meet highly qualified, ambitious experts - both regionally and internationally. For example, you benefit from a modern IT infrastructure and, in our library via HSGswisscovery, from nationwide access to the wealth of scientific information available.
Executive Education
We support internal and external executive education opportunities. Our internal executive education programme offers you a practical, dedicated and didactically mature transfer of knowledge in the form of seminars, e-learning, coaching and collegial advice. We support task-specific external training and executive education financially as well as with regard to the time required.
Network
We promote our culture of cross-functional collaboration and create space for forging valuable relationships - also with external partners. Regular exchanges and internal events help to strengthen these relationships and make them long-lasting.
Family & Career
We provide our employees with flexible work time models with a variable number of hours per week. As a family-friendly employer, we offer part-time positions, 16 weeks of maternity leave and a subsidised crèche, as well as support with childcare during the vacations.
Equal Opportunities
The University enables equal opportunities for all employees and students. This applies to degree courses and work, as well as academic careers, university management positions and the reconciliation of studies, work and private commitments. We are committed to this with various measures in the areas of teaching, research, administration and the Presidency.
Fit and Healthy
We help you stay fit and healthy. In addition to our diverse range of sports activities at the university, most of which are free of charge, and campaign weeks for corporate health management, we also offer you fruit in the workplace. In our canteen you will find a wide selection of freshly prepared meals - from vegetarian to fish dishes - at discounted prices.
Further information on working at the HSG can be found here.
For job-related questions
"Join our team of interdisciplinary and international researchers at the Research Institute of Sociology!"
"We are looking forward to working with you."
Your place of work
University of St.Gallen
«A place where knowledge is created» - As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 9800 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3300 researchers, educators and professional staff.
