PhD in Anthropology/Sociology of Health and Illness and Science and Technology Studies University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland in Switzerland

PhD opportunity in Anthropology/Sociology of Health and Illness and Science and Technology Studies at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), in collaboration with the University of Lausanne. The position is based in Switzerland and is hosted within the Competence Centre Care, Health and Society (CARES) and the STS Lab.

The project, EPiK (“The expertisation of patient knowledge: the recognition, institutionalisation and professionalisation of patient expertise in healthcare and society”), examines how patient knowledge becomes recognised as expertise within healthcare institutions and broader society. The selected PhD candidate will focus on the cancer case study, with comparative links to mental health and diabetes, and will investigate epistemic legitimation, institutionalisation, professionalisation, social inequities, and the role of digitalisation in healthcare.

Research methods include qualitative and ethnographic research, documentary analysis, observations, and interviews across Switzerland, including 6–9 months in French-speaking Switzerland. The work is especially relevant for candidates interested in social and medical anthropology, public health, health science, cultural studies, and technology-and-society research.

Eligibility highlights: Master’s degree in social sciences; fluency in Italian, French, and English; German is an asset; strong interest or experience in qualitative/ethnographic methods and health-related research.

Funding: fully funded 100% employment, fixed-term contract for 4 years, with support for conferences, workshops, and training opportunities.

Deadline: 23 August 2026. Applications must be submitted online using the official form; incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Supervision: Dr. Giada Danesi (SUPSI) and Prof. Dr. Nolwenn Bühler (University of Lausanne).