Postdoc Position in Anthropology/Sociology of Health and Illness and/or Science and Technology Studies University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland - SUPSI in Switzerland

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) invites applications for a Postdoc position at the Competence Centre Care, Health and Society (CARES) within the Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS) in Manno, Switzerland. This position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project 'The expertisation of patient knowledge: the recognition, institutionalisation and professionalisation of patient expertise in healthcare and society (EPiK)'. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Giada Danesi and join an interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to exploring care as a multifaceted phenomenon, integrating clinical, social, ethical, organizational, and economic perspectives.

The CARES centre promotes a holistic understanding of care and actively engages with society to address contemporary challenges in health and welfare systems. The EPiK project investigates how patient knowledge becomes expertise and gains legitimacy within the healthcare system, potentially leading to professional careers in mental health, diabetes, and cancer. The research addresses two key phenomena: epistemic legitimation (the recognition and institutionalisation of patient expertise, including the role of digitalisation) and social inequities (processes of inclusion and exclusion in the professionalisation of patient expertise).

The postdoc will conduct qualitative and ethnographic research on two case studies (mental health and diabetes), contributing to comparisons with cancer. Fieldwork will be carried out across Switzerland, including German- and French-speaking regions. The research will examine how patients and informal caregivers are mobilised as experts, focusing on epistemic, institutional, social, and digital dynamics. The project also contributes to broader interdisciplinary reflections on healthcare reorganization in the era of patient and public involvement (PPI) and digitalisation.

Responsibilities include managing all phases of the research project (data collection, management, analysis, interpretation, comparison, and dissemination), ensuring knowledge transfer through meetings, conferences, publications, and stakeholder engagement, collaborating with project members and partners, handling administrative tasks, and participating in CARES scientific activities.

Applicants must hold a PhD in social sciences and demonstrate fluency in French or German, Italian, and English (spoken and written). Knowledge of a third national language is an asset. Experience in qualitative and ethnographic research, health and care practices, expert and lay knowledge, and relevant fields (Anthropology/Sociology of Health and Illness, Science and Technology Studies) is required. Strong scientific writing, oral communication, problem-solving, and collaborative skills are essential, along with motivation, intellectual curiosity, flexibility, and a proactive attitude.

The position offers stimulating research and training activities, autonomy, interdisciplinary collaboration, national and international mobility, and funding for conferences and workshops. The contract is fixed-term for four years. Applications must be submitted online by 23rd August 2026 using the official form. Required documents include a cover letter in English, CV, diplomas/certificates, thesis, employment certificates, and a peer-reviewed article. Additional documentation may be requested. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

For further information, candidates may consult SUPSI Internal Directives and Staff Regulations or contact Dr. Giada Danesi at the Competence Centre for Care, Health and Society.