PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher (100%)
Welfare State Transformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The University of Lucerne is a modern, personal and dynamic human sciences university at the heart of Switzerland and Europe. In keeping with our guiding principle 'Moving Human Sciences', we focus on people and their institutions with our six faculties and two academies. Our aim is to develop the University of Lucerne into a pioneering, internationally visible centre for research and teaching in the human sciences.
The Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR) is a newly established research institute dedicated to the social study of emerging technologies (blockchain, AI, quantum computing, etc.), examining these technologies beyond their purely technical dimensions. It brings together nine professorships from various social sciences faculties at the University of Lucerne. The institute and its research teams deal with the social, political, legal, and economic consequences of emerging technologies in a broad sense. The aim is to build a centre for technology research with a distinctive focus on the human sciences that is unique in its breadth and diversity.
We are looking to fill the following position at the Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR) at the University of Lucerne, starting 1 January 2027 or by mutual agreement:
PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher (100%)
Welfare State Transformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
This is a fully funded qualifying position with a fixed-term appointment of 4 years. The position is part of the ERC Starting Grant '(Re)distributive Politics after the AI Revolution' (REPAIR), funded by the European Research Council and led by Prof. Juliana Chueri.
The ERC Project
This PhD project contributes to a broader research agenda within Chueri's ERC Starting Grant REPAIR, examining how artificial intelligence (AI) transforms welfare state politics across OECD countries. Moving beyond techno-deterministic perspectives, the project emphasizes the active role of political institutions, policies, and collective choices in shaping how AI affects work, employment, and social protection.
The PhD candidate will contribute in particular to two core strands of the project: first, understanding how political actors across OECD countries frame the challenges and opportunities arising from AI's impact on labour markets, and what policy responses they put forward; and second, examining the extent to which citizens support different welfare state policies and institutional reforms designed to address AI-driven labour market disruptions. The PhD candidate will be part of a collaborative team of four researchers, contributing to a shared research infrastructure and comparative analyses.
Tasks
- Conduct independent doctoral research on welfare state transformation and/or labour market regulation in the context of AI-driven automation, within the framework of the ERC REPAIR project
- Contribute to the development of comparative indicators, surveys, and cross-national analyses related to the project objectives
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed international journals (cumulative dissertation)
- Support the principal investigator in research activities, grant management, and the organisation of workshops and conferences
- Present research at international conferences and participate in the project's international research network
Requirements
- A completed Master's degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, or a closely related discipline
- A strong interest in welfare state institutions, labour market regulation, social policy, technology governance, and/or the political economy
- Strong knowledge of quantitative research methods and experience with programming languages (e.g., R, Stata, or Python), or willingness and ability to acquire these skills
- Excellent command of English, both spoken and written
- Ability to work independently and as part of an international team
- Strong communication skills, proactive attitude, and capacity for self-organisation
We offer
- A fully funded position (100%) for four years with excellent conditions for completing a doctoral qualification
- Integration in a prestigious ERC-funded research project with an international research network
- The opportunity to contribute to building a globally unique research institute on emerging technologies and their societal implications
- A cooperative, creative, and team-oriented atmosphere in a stimulating work environment
- Continuous career mentoring and support for professional development
- Flexible working arrangements and a modern workplace in close proximity to Zug railway station
- Attractive employment conditions in accordance with the personnel regulations of the Canton of Lucerne
Application
Your application dossier should include the following documents:
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) describing your profile, your interest in this position and the REPAIR project, and how your research interests connect to the project themes
- A curriculum vitae, including information on education, work experience, publications, and other relevant activities
- Copies of university transcripts and degree certificates
- An abstract or short description of your Master's thesis in English
- A writing sample in English (e.g., a seminar paper, thesis, or publication)
- Contact details of two academic references
For further information, please contact Prof. Juliana Chueri, [email protected].
Please submit your application documents as a single PDF file by 15 November 2026.