The Department of Political Science, School of Economics and Political Science, University of St. Gallen, invites applications for the positions of two doctoral researchers.

The successful candidates are expected to pursue a PhD degree in political science connected to the new research project entitled “Governance in Vocational and Professional Education and Training” (GOVPET). GOVPET investigates how decentralized cooperation between firms, associations and public authorities in skill formation works at the regional and sectoral levels as well as how the inclusion of disadvantaged labour market participants in the systems of (initial and continuous) vocational and professional training can be improved. GOVPET is a collaborative project of the University of St. Gallen (Prof. Patrick Emmenegger), the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Prof. Carmen Baumeler), the University of Lausanne (Prof. Giuliano Bonoli), and the University of Cologne (Prof. Dr. Christine Trampusch). The successful applicants are expected to work closely together with Prof. Emmenegger and Prof. Trampusch. For more information on GOVPET, please visit www.pemmenegger.com.

Applicants are expected to hold a Master degree in social sciences or economics and demonstrate a strong ability and motivation to pursue an academic career. The position presupposes an interest in theory-driven empirical research on topics of educational and vocational training systems, labor markets and political institutions. A good command of one Swiss national language and English, both spoken and written, is expected.

The position starts in July 2015 (or upon agreement later) and is for a period of three years, with the possibility of extension for another two years. The salary aligns with the directives of the University of St. Gallen and amounts to about 42,000 CHF in the first year.

Applicants should send their full application (in German or English) - including cover letter, CV, letter of motivation, examples of their academic work (e.g. their MA dissertation or seminar papers), copies of relevant certificates and the contact details of two academic references - to Prof. Patrick Emmenegger (patrick.emmenegger@unisg.ch) no later than April 17, 2015. For further inquiry, please send an email to Prof. Patrick Emmenegger.