Research associate (Cycling practices)

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

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Presentation

The Institute of Geography and Sustainability (IGD) is seeking to recruit research associate on external funds for the Academic Observatory for Cycling and Active Mobilities (OUVEMA).

OUVEMA was created in 2020. It is an interdisciplinary research platform on cycling and active mobilities. Its areas of research are: 1) practices and behavior; 2) policies; 3) planning and the built environment; 4) health and safety. While its research is promoted internationally, OUVEMA also maintains close links with actors in the field by organizing lecture series and conducting action research. Its Scientific Advisory Board comprises 21 professors from 7 UNIL faculties.

The IGD has around 130 members working in the fields of geography and sustainability, combining humanities and natural sciences. The IGD offers an international, interdisciplinary environment that is stimulating and conducive to high-level research.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.08.2026 /  or to be agreed

Contract length : 12 months

Activity rate : 80%

Workplace : University of Lausanne, Institute of Geography and Sustainability, Lausanne Site, Switzerland

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will be involved in several OUVEMA research projects, in particular the Bike to work project. This project involves conducting a survey 10 years after the first one to measure changes in cycling patterns (see the book Au travail à vélo, Ed Alphil / Cycling to work, Springer).

Your main tasks will be:

      • Analysing a questionnaire survey of 20,000 participants in the Bike to work initiative

      • Updating a literature review on cycling and commuting

      • Drafting a research report

      • Disseminating the results in the form of articles in international journals

      • Communicating the results to interested audiences

      • Participating in other research projects.

Your qualifications

      • A degree in geography, sociology or another social science (PhD preferred)

      • Research experience in the field of mobility

      • Skills in questionnaire design (design and analysis)

      • Proficiency in quantitative methods in the social sciences

      • Ability to take the initiative and to work both independently and as part of a team

      • Interest in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches

      • Proficiency in French. Knowledge of German and English desirable.

What the position offers you

The IGD offers a stimulating environment and a culture conducive to the development of a research career.

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

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Your application

Deadline : 15.06.2026

If you are interested, please send us the following documents –  in PDF format – via the University of Lausanne's online system:

      • Letter of motivation

      • A full curriculum vitae 

      • A copy of a publication (doctoral dissertation or paper)

      • A copy of university degrees

Only applications submitted via the online system will be considered.

The interviews will take place on 22 June.

We thank you for your understanding.

Job description

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Contact for further information

Contact: Prof. Patrick Rérat, [email protected]

Personal website: https://applicationspub.unil.ch/interpub/noauth/php/Un/UnPers.php?PerNum=63246&LanCode=37&menu=coord

OUVEMA www.unil.ch/ouvema

E-Bike Shift project : https://www.unil.ch/ouvema/fr/home/menuinst/recherche/e-bikeshift.html 

Additional information

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UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance.

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