Haute Ecole et Ecole Supérieure de Travail Social

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland Valais (HES-SO Valais-Wallis) has over 2,800 students. Through research and innovation, it contributes to economic and social development and the creation of jobs. The School of Social Work helps expand our knowledge of the social work field and passes on that expertise by working closely with private and public sector partners in the canton of Valais and further afield. It offers innovative solutions to today’s complex societal issues and helps predict what challenges tomorrow’s society may face. Why not come and join us?

As part of the project "Navigating through Swiss Invalidity Insurance: Sociolegal Views of the Strategies Used by (Potential) Beneficiaries and Administrative Practices", funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), the Institute of Social Work is looking for a:

This research project explores the legal evolution and practical implications of the Swiss Invalidity Insurance system, with a particular focus on the impact on those directly affected. It examines the categories of “(mental) health” and “disability” in the legislative process, legal texts, jurisprudence, and in legal practice and decision-making procedures. The focus is on paradigmatic shifts that often go unnoticed by the public and scientific communities. At the heart of the study are the experiences of individuals navigating the application and decision-making processes within the system. The project also investigates how decisions are made by caseworkers and medical experts, and how professionals from non-governmental organisations operate within this field.

Position description

• Independently and actively contribute to the research project
• Data collection and analysis in three regions of Switzerland using sociolegal and anthropological methods
• Write academic articles
• Organise and actively participate in academic conferences
• Engage in knowledge transfer

Selection criteria

• PhD in social work, sociology, anthropology, sociolegal studies, law, or a related discipline
• Experience and expertise in interdisciplinary research related to the above-mentioned fields
• Spoken and written German, French, Italian and English (at least B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference). Depending on the composition of the research team, fluency in all four languages is not mandatory
• Strong knowledge of qualitative research methods, with proven experience in ethnography, focus groups, qualitative interviews, etc.
• Experience in academic and non-academic writing (including articles in relevant journals)
• Ability to work independently and in a team, strong organisational skills, initiative, willingness to travel
• Capacity to work in a sensitive and interdisciplinary research environment

Employment: 80%

Place of work: Sierre

Starting date: 1 November 2025

Contract duration: 4 years

Kontakt

• HES-SO Valais-Wallis

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