Intermediary staff

Unil; Lausanne; Hybrid; CHF 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

UNIL invites applications for a Graduate Assistant in Psychology of Religion within the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The appointment involves preparing a doctoral dissertation under supervision and contributing to teaching and research in psychology of religion.

The role requires a Master's in psychology, strong interest in empirical work, and excellent English; French proficiency is desirable.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology or closely related discipline.
• Strong interest in research in the psychology of religion.
• Good knowledge of quantitative research methods and statistical analysis, as well as proficiency in R software.
• Interest in empirical research and motivation to develop a PhD project within the professor's research areas.
• Excellent command of English. Good command of French or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of a doctoral dissertation in psychology of religion under the supervision of Prof. Jana Berkessel (min. 50% of working time) and support for teaching and research in this field (max. 50% of working time)

Skills

Quantitative research methods

R software

English proficiency

French proficiency

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in psychology

Tools

R

Job description

Career Opportunities: Intermediary staff (23019)

Requisition ID23019-Posted11/02/2026- Type of position (1) - Area of Activity (1) - Rate of Participation (1) - Faculty / Service (1) - Personnel Category (1)

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

To complete its team, the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (FTSR), through its Institute for Social Sciences of Religions (ISSR) invites applications for the position of Graduate Assistant in the field of Psychology of Religion.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.02.2027 or to be agreed

Contract length: 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years

Activity rate : 100%

Your responsibilities

Preparation of a doctoral dissertation in psychology of religion under the supervision of Prof. Jana Berkessel (min. 50% of working time) and support for teaching and research in this field (max. 50% of working time)

Your profile

• Master's degree in psychology or in a closely related discipline.
• Strong interest in research in the psychology of religion, particularly at the intersection of social, personality, and cultural psychology.
• Good knowledge of quantitative research methods and statistical analysis, as well as proficiency in R software.
• Interest in empirical research and motivation to develop a PhD project within the professor's research areas, for exemple: the socialcultural origins of religiosity, the relationships between religion and cultural norms, or the links between religiosity, health, and well-being.
• Excellent command of English. Good command of French or strong motivation to acquire the necessary language skills quickly.
• Interest in interdisciplinarity, initiative, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

Your application

Application deadline : 30.11.2026
Please apply online, uploading your complete application files in Word or PDF format (no compressed files):

• Detailed CV including the contact details of two references
• A short and preliminary PhD dissertation proposal (1 page)
• A summary of your Master's thesis (1 page)
• Copies of Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates and transcripts.

Applications in English are welcome.

Only applications through this website will be taken into account.Thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:

• equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
• ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
• offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
• supporting early career researchers.