PhD Position in Social Work (50% Time)
Empirical research in social policy, inequality, and migration with teaching support in qualitative methods and social work theory.
Best for:Best for researchers with a master’s in social work, sociology, anthropology, or political science who have expertise in qualitative research methods and are passionate about addressing social inequalities and migration challenges.
Overview
This 50% PhD position at the Transdisciplinary Institute of Social Work (ITTS) at the University of Neuchâtel offers candidates the opportunity to conduct independent empirical research in social work, focusing on social policy, inequality, migration, and related fields. The successful applicant will contribute to teaching and tutoring in qualitative research methods and social work theories while actively participating in the development of the ITTS. The position is ideal for motivated researchers with a strong background in qualitative methods and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. The PhD will be embedded within the ITTS PhD program, providing mentorship and peer support throughout the doctoral journey.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent empirical research for a PhD thesis focused on social work, social policy, inequality, or migration-related topics.
- Assist in teaching and tutoring activities for qualitative research methods in the social sciences and social work theories.
- Participate in the development and growth of the Transdisciplinary Institute of Social Work (ITTS).
- Collaborate with peers and mentors within the ITTS PhD program to enhance research and academic skills.
- Develop mentoring and teaching skills through active involvement in academic activities.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in social work, sociology, anthropology, political science, or a related field, with a minimum grade average of 4.75 and a minimum grade of 5 for the MA thesis (Swiss grading system).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency for academic work; ability to write thesis in English, French, German, or Italian.
Instruction: English, French, German, or Italian
- Excellent knowledge of qualitative research methods
- Strong social and communication skills
- Ability to work in an English-speaking academic environment
- Experience in empirical research and thesis writing
- No nationality restrictions mentioned
- Must meet formal admission requirements of the ITTS PhD program
- No age or prior experience caps specified
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-15 (Europe/Zurich)
Applicants must submit a motivation letter (max. 1 page), a brief description of potential PhD thesis ideas (max. 1-2 pages), CV, a writing sample (e.g., MA thesis), copies of diplomas, and grade transcripts via email to messagerie.itts@unine.ch. Applications will be processed as soon as received, with a strict deadline of November 15, 2026.
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- Brief description of potential PhD thesis ideas (max. 1-2 pages)
- CV
- Writing sample (e.g., MA thesis)
- Copies of diplomas
- Grade transcripts
Contact
ITTS· Transdisciplinary Institute of Social Work
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