Wiss. Assistentin/Assistenten (bis zu 50%) - Job Opportunity at Universität Luzern

Lucerne, Switzerland
Part-time
Entry-level
Posted: June 16, 2025
On-site
CHF 35,000 - 45,000 annually (50% position), which translates to approximately USD 38,000 - 49,000. This estimate is based on Swiss academic salary scales for doctoral candidates and research assistants, considering the part-time nature and the specialized field.

Benefits

Participation in international and national conferences and continuing education opportunities, providing significant professional development and networking value that enhances career prospects
Access to national and international contacts in academic and administrative sectors, offering exceptional networking opportunities that can accelerate career advancement
Flexible working hours and creative freedom in task execution, providing superior work-life balance compared to traditional corporate environments
Opportunity to engage with the Urner Institut Kulturen der Alpen, offering interdisciplinary research experience that broadens academic profile
Dynamic and engaged team environment fostering collaborative learning and professional growth

Key Responsibilities

Lead collaborative efforts in preparing and delivering educational programs that shape the next generation of legal professionals in public law and rural law specializations
Provide critical assessment and evaluation of student examinations, directly influencing academic standards and student development outcomes
Drive innovative research initiatives in public law and rural law that contribute to policy development and legal framework evolution
Co-author and contribute to high-impact academic publications that establish thought leadership in specialized legal fields
Maintain strategic relationships with federal and cantonal administrative bodies, serving as a key liaison between academia and government institutions
Execute complex organizational and administrative functions that ensure seamless academic operations and research project management

Requirements

Education

Good legal degree (MLaw / lic. iur. or degree pending)

Experience

Entry-level with academic focus

Required Skills

Interest in public law and rural law (especially administrative law with focus on space, environment, agriculture and nutrition) Willingness to write a dissertation in public law Foreign language skills in English and French advantageous Organizational skills and independent working style
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The legal academia sector is experiencing increased demand for specialists in environmental and agricultural law as climate change and sustainability issues become central to policy-making across Europe. This trend is particularly pronounced in Switzerland, where rural law expertise is essential for managing alpine resources and agricultural policies. Universities are increasingly emphasizing interdisciplinary research approaches, combining traditional legal studies with environmental sciences, geography, and cultural studies. This creates opportunities for legal scholars who can bridge multiple domains. The Swiss legal education market is becoming more internationalized, with increased emphasis on comparative law and cross-border regulatory frameworks, particularly in environmental and agricultural sectors.

Role Significance

Typically works within a small academic team of 3-5 members including the supervising professor, other research assistants, and administrative support. The Faculty of Law has approximately 190 doctoral students, indicating a substantial academic community.
This is an entry-level academic position designed for recent law graduates or those completing their legal studies. The role serves as a stepping stone into academic career paths while providing practical experience in research and teaching. The 50% appointment allows for simultaneous doctoral studies, which is typical for Swiss academic career development.

Key Projects

Dissertation research in public law with focus on rural and environmental legal frameworks Collaborative research projects examining Swiss administrative law in relation to spatial planning and environmental protection Comparative studies of European agricultural law and its implementation at cantonal and federal levels Policy analysis projects for government agencies regarding rural development and environmental regulation

Success Factors

Deep understanding of Swiss legal system and administrative law structures, as the role requires extensive interaction with federal and cantonal authorities and demands practical knowledge of how legal frameworks are implemented. Strong research and analytical capabilities are essential for contributing to academic publications and conducting independent dissertation research in a specialized field that requires synthesizing complex legal, environmental, and cultural factors. Excellent communication skills in multiple languages (German, English, French) are crucial for engaging with international academic networks and Swiss multilingual administrative environment. Ability to balance multiple responsibilities including teaching support, research activities, and administrative duties while maintaining high academic standards and meeting publication deadlines.

Market Demand

Moderate to high demand exists for legal academics specializing in public law with environmental and rural law expertise, driven by increasing regulatory complexity in these areas and the need for specialized legal research.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Administrative law expertise with environmental and agricultural focus is absolutely essential as it forms the core of the research area and teaching responsibilities. This specialized knowledge is increasingly valuable as environmental regulations become more complex and integrated across jurisdictions. Independent research capabilities are crucial for successful dissertation completion and academic publication, as the role requires original contribution to legal scholarship in a specialized field with limited existing research. Multilingual communication skills are vital for navigating Switzerland's multilingual legal and administrative environment, and for engaging with international academic and policy networks that are essential for career advancement in this field.

Beneficial Skills

Cultural and geographical knowledge of alpine regions enhances research depth and provides unique perspectives on rural law applications, particularly valuable for the interdisciplinary aspects of the role. Policy analysis and comparative law skills strengthen the practical applicability of research and increase opportunities for consulting and advisory roles with government and international organizations. Teaching and presentation abilities support career development toward academic positions and enhance the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to diverse audiences including students, policymakers, and international colleagues.

Unique Aspects

Specialization in rural law and alpine cultural studies offers a unique niche in European legal academia, combining traditional legal scholarship with cultural and geographical perspectives that are particularly relevant to Swiss and European alpine regions
Direct collaboration opportunity with the Urner Institut Kulturen der Alpen provides interdisciplinary research experience that distinguishes this position from traditional legal academic roles
Strong emphasis on practical engagement with government administrative bodies offers real-world policy impact opportunities rarely available in purely academic positions
The bilingual nature of Swiss legal system and the university's multilingual environment provide exceptional preparation for international legal careers

Career Growth

Typical progression timeline spans 3-5 years for doctoral completion, followed by 2-3 years in postdoctoral positions before advancing to permanent academic or professional roles. The specialized nature of rural and environmental law can accelerate career progression due to high demand for expertise.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Associate or Postdoctoral Researcher position after completing doctoral studies, typically involving more independent research leadership and advanced teaching responsibilities Lecturer or Assistant Professor positions at Swiss or international universities, requiring completion of dissertation and demonstration of teaching excellence Legal advisor roles in government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations focusing on environmental and rural law policy development Private practice opportunities in specialized environmental law firms or as consultant for agricultural and rural development projects

Company Overview

Universität Luzern

The University of Lucerne is a modern, human sciences-focused institution established as one of Switzerland's newer universities, emphasizing personalized education and innovative research approaches. With its motto 'Moving Human Sciences,' it concentrates on interdisciplinary studies examining human institutions and behaviors across six faculties and specialized research centers.

As a specialized human sciences university, it holds a distinctive position in the Swiss higher education landscape, competing with larger traditional universities through focused expertise and innovative interdisciplinary approaches. The Faculty of Law serves approximately 1,300 students and 190 doctoral candidates, indicating substantial academic presence.
Strategically located in central Switzerland, the university serves as a bridge between German and French-speaking regions, providing unique opportunities for multilingual and multicultural academic experiences. Its position in the heart of Europe enhances international collaboration potential.
The university emphasizes a collaborative, personal approach to academic work, fostering close mentor-student relationships and interdisciplinary collaboration. The relatively small size promotes direct access to senior faculty and personalized career development opportunities.
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