Institute for Economic Research (IRE) and Institute of Economics (IdEP)
Associate or Full Professor in Economicsand Director of the Institute for EconomicResearch, Faculty of Economics at USI
The Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a young and lively university, a hub of
opportunity open to the world where students are offered a quality interdisciplinary education
in which they can be fully engaged and take center stage, and where our researchers can
count on having the space to freely pursue their initiative.
Established in 1996, USI is in constant evolution, always taking on new challenges while
remaining true to its three guiding principles: quality, openness, and responsibility. Facing
the challenges of today’s globalized economies entails the ability to interpret and manage
complexity. With professors who are at the forefront of research in their respective fields, the
Faculty of Economics is the ideal venue to acquire and further develop competence,
flexibility, and intellectual curiosity to identify fundamental issues and face them with
creativity and talent.
The Faculty of Economics invites applications from candidates with an international research
profile for a position as Associate or Full Professor in Economics. Outstanding applicants
from all fields of applied economics will be considered. Particular attention will be given to
candidates conducting research in one or more of these areas: regional and urban
economics, public finance, labor economics, and environmental and energy economics.
The position also involves serving as Director of the Institute for Economic Research
(IRE), which conducts applied research on issues of regional importance chosen in
coordination with the Cantonal Department of Finance and Economy (DFE). Through its
three observatories (O-Tur, O-De, O-Fpe), IRE conducts research studies and policy
evaluations, serves as consultancy of cantonal policy makers and monitors the local
economy, with a particular focus on the labor market, as well as the tourism sector, public
sector, and the energy sector. The research activities of IRE are part of USI’s mandate from
the Canton of Ticino.
The position
The Faculty of Economics of USI provides a young and dynamic environment with strong
research competences in the areas of economics, finance, and management. The position is
primarily affiliated with the Institute for Economic Research (Istituto di Ricerche Economiche,
IRE) and can also be affiliated with the Institute of Economics (Istituto di Economia Politica,
IdEP).
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The candidate’s profile
The ideal candidate has a strong publication record in top/top-field economics journals on
policy-relevant topics (including – but not restricted to – regional and urban economics,
public finance, labor economics, and environmental and energy economics). Academic
achievements should be complemented by a demonstrated ability to lead a research group
and generate external funding. The successful candidate is fluent in Italian and willing to
invest in the knowledge of the local economy of the Canton of Ticino. The required academic
qualification is a doctoral degree in Economics (PhD).
Teaching load
The standard teaching load of 18 ECTS is reduced while the candidate serves as Director of
IRE. The size of the teaching reduction will be part of the contract negotiation.
General terms
Availability to travel to other parts of Switzerland and abroad (for purposes of collaboration
and research) is required.
The salary is determined in accordance with university regulations and is competitive with
leading European institutions. The precise salary level will be determined based on the
candidate’s experience and academic credentials.
Residence
Professors typically reside in Ticino, which is part of the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland.
The new professor is expected to provide consistent participation in the academic and
institutional activities of the university.
The application
Applications should contain:
• Motivation letter to apply for the directorship of IRE
• Your vision for IRE
• Teaching statement
• Detailed CV
• Copies of three of the most representative papers
• Names and addresses of three references
Please submit your application (together with the documents listed above) using the following link: https://recruitment.usi.ch/position/3473408.
For more detailed information on the position, please contact Prof. Giovanni Pica, Dean,
Faculty of Economics, at giovanni.pica@usi.ch.
Applications received by 31 August 2025, will be given priority. Applications are
welcome and reviewed until the position is filled.
USI strives to be an equal opportunity and family friendly employer and is further responsive
to the needs of dual career couples. We guarantee that the selection process will give equal
opportunities to female and male researchers.
As an institution that values diversity, USI particularly encourages applications from women
and from all individuals from underrepresented groups.
Lugano, 18 July 2025