The Lucerne PhD Scholarship 2027 in Switzerland offers an excellent opportunity for talented international candidates to pursue doctoral research through a fully funded PhD researcher position at the University of Lucerne. The Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR) is hosting the position, which is related to the ERC-funded REPAIR project, “(Re)distributive Politics after the AI Revolution.”
The research project, “Welfare State Transformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” examines how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming public policies, welfare-state institutions, labour markets, and social protection systems across OECD countries.
With an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027, or another date agreed upon by the institution and the selected candidate, this opportunity offers a fully funded, 100% doctoral research position for four years.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a relevant academic field, demonstrate an interest in technology governance and social policy, and have a strong foundation in quantitative research methods or a willingness to improve their methodological skills.
The application deadline for the Lucerne PhD Scholarship 2027 is November 15, 2026. Interested candidates must follow the University of Lucerne’s official application guidelines and submit all required application materials in a single PDF file.
Lucerne PhD Scholarship 2027 – Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- University: University of Lucerne
- Organized by: The Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR)
- Eligibility Country: International Students
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Degree Level: PhD / Doctoral Studies
- Application Deadline: 15 November 2026
Degree Level and Duration
- PhD / Doctoral Studies
- Duration: 4 Years
- Position: Full-time research appointment at the University of Lucerne.
Available Subjects
Relevant academic fields include:
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Economics
- Social Policy
- Political Economy
- Technology Governance
- Labour Market Regulation
- Artificial Intelligence and Society
Applicants from related disciplines may also apply if their research interests align with the project.
Eligibility Criteria for Lucerne PhD Scholarship 2027, Switzerland
Applicants interested in the Lucerne PhD Scholarship 2027 in Switzerland must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Hold a completed master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrate a strong research interest in welfare-state institutions, labour-market regulation, social policy, technology governance, or political economy.
- Have a good understanding of quantitative research methods and experience with R, Stata, or Python, or be willing to develop these skills.
- Possess excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
- Be capable of conducting independent academic research and analysing complex research data.
- Demonstrate strong analytical, organisational, and academic writing skills.
- Be willing to collaborate with an international research team.
- Have research interests that align with the objectives of the ERC-funded REPAIR project.
Applicants should also be prepared to work with comparative research, quantitative analysis, surveys, and cross-national indicators related to artificial intelligence, labour markets, and welfare-state policies.
Benefits of Lucerne PhD Scholarship 2027
The selected candidates will receive the following benefits:
- Full Funding: 100% funded, full-time PhD employment for four years.
- Competitive Salary: Salary according to the personnel regulations of the Canton of Lucerne.
- Research Opportunities: Conduct doctoral research within an internationally recognised ERC-funded project.
- International Collaboration: Work with interdisciplinary researchers and international academic networks.
- Publication Opportunities: Publish research in peer-reviewed international journals.
- Academic Development: Attend international conferences, workshops, and research activities.
- Career Support: Receive academic mentoring and professional development opportunities.
- Research Environment: Work at the Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR).
Note: Applicants should check the official vacancy announcement for exact salary details and employment conditions. Separate relocation, travel, and accommodation allowances are not guaranteed.
Required Documents for Lucerne PhD Scholarship 2027
Applicants should prepare the following documents for their application:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter explaining research interests and suitability for the position.
- Master’s degree certificate.
- Academic transcripts.
- Relevant research proposal or research statement, if requested in the official vacancy announcement.
- Evidence of quantitative research skills or relevant software experience (R, Stata, or Python).
- English language proficiency evidence, if available or requested.
- Academic references or recommendation letters, if requested.
- Other supporting documents relevant to academic qualifications and research experience.
Important: Check the official vacancy announcement for the exact document requirements. All application materials must be combined into a single PDF file before submission.
Application Process for Lucerne PhD Scholarship 2027
Follow these steps to apply for the fully funded PhD position at the University of Lucerne:
- Visit the Official Website: Open the University of Lucerne’s official vacancy announcement.
- Review Eligibility Requirements: Carefully read the academic qualifications, research interests, and methodological requirements.
- Prepare Application Documents: Arrange your CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and other required supporting documents.
- Prepare Your Application: Highlight your research interests in social policy, artificial intelligence, welfare-state transformation, and quantitative research methods.
- Combine Documents into One PDF: Prepare all application materials in a single PDF file, as required by the university.
- Submit Your Application: Follow the official application instructions and submit your application through the university’s designated recruitment process.
- Wait for Selection Results: Shortlisted candidates may be contacted by the university for further evaluation or interviews.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 November 2026
- Expected Starting Date: 1 January 2027, or another mutually agreed date.
- Duration: Four years.
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Lucerne PhD Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. It offers a 100% funded, full-time doctoral research employment position for four years, with a salary according to the personnel regulations of the Canton of Lucerne.
2. Can international students apply for the Lucerne PhD Scholarship 2027?
Yes. International candidates with relevant academic qualifications and research interests can apply.
3. Which university offers this PhD position?
The position is offered by the University of Lucerne in Switzerland through the Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR).
4. What is the duration of the PhD position?
The doctoral research position has a duration of four years.
5. What academic qualifications are required?
Applicants must hold a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, or a closely related discipline.
6. Is knowledge of quantitative research methods required?
Applicants should have a good understanding of quantitative research methods and experience with R, Stata, or Python, or be willing to develop these skills.
7. What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply for the Lucerne PhD Scholarship 2027 is November 15, 2026.
8. How should applicants submit their documents?
Applicants must prepare and submit all application materials in a single PDF file according to the university’s official application instructions.
9. When will the selected candidate start?
The anticipated starting date is January 1, 2027, or another date agreed upon by the university and the selected candidate.





