Deadline: 30.07.2026
Expected starting date: 1st of January 2027 (or to be agreed).
Employment rate: 80%-100%.
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) offers at the Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS) based in Manno, a position of Associate Professor in Social Policy and Care at the Competence Centre for Social Research (CReS).
Professional context
The Competence Centre on Social Research (CReS) conducts research that is closely connected to the local institutional context while engaging with developments at the national and international levels. The Centre adopts a multidisciplinary approach within the social sciences, with a predominantly socio-economic and socio-educational perspective. CReS develops research and activities that are closely associated with social work, inter alia by supporting both basic and continuing education in the field.
Its research is organised around thematic lines addressing key dimensions of social change, including transformations of work and employment, social protection and labour market inclusion, family policies, gender equality and child protection, regional economics and public services, youth, migration and social participation, as well as urban dynamics, citizenship and sustainability.
Through these thematic areas, the Centre fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and develops projects that analyse social inequalities, welfare transformations and the evolution of social and economic institutions. It also aims to serve as a reference point for applied and participatory social research, strengthening connections between academic knowledge, professional practice and the needs of communities and local stakeholders.
The Centre is particularly interested in the relational and institutional dimensions through which social protection, care, inclusion and well-being are produced and sustained. Social policy and care are embedded in the interaction between individual lives and structural conditions, including inequalities, poverty and exclusion. Social work is central to this field, linking everyday care practices to social policy, translating needs into rights, and negotiating responsibilities across individuals, families, services, markets, and public institutions.
In a context marked by profound transformations in labour markets, social and family policies, regional economies and local territories, CReS contributes to the development of a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable society, promoting initiatives that support well-being and dignity, strengthen social justice and advance the recognition of human rights.
The Assistant Professor in Social Policy and Care will contribute to these research activities, with particular attention to institutional responses to contemporary social challenges, including issues related to inequalities, vulnerabilities, family policies, and youth.
Roles and Responsibilities
Research and services
- Exercise scientific seniority in the field of Social Policy and care, acquiring and carrying out research projects.
- Produce high-level academic publications relevant to the field.
- Acquire and coordinate research and service mandates with local, national and international outreach.
- Promote collaboration with stakeholders in their field of activity, maintaining strong links with local institutions, as well as with national and international academic and professional networks.
- Promote collaboration with other Competence Centres/Departments within SUPSI, especially in the areas of research on care, which straddles different areas of DEASS.
Training
- Design and carry out teaching activities, making a significant contribution to basic and continuing education.
- Participate actively and collegially in the development of the Department's training portfolio.
Leadership/management
- Assume the leadership of a research line.
- Ensure the financial sustainability and operational success of projects.
- Collaborate in the development of interdisciplinary CReS activities, in synergy with colleagues.
- Actively contribute to fostering collaboration and cohesion within the Centre’s research community.
Skills profile and requirements
- PhD in sociology, political science, social sciences or related field.
- Scientific production relevant to the topics of interest for this position.
- Proven experience in the field of qualitative and participatory research and collaborative approaches, incl. the active involvement of members of concerned communities. Experience in quantitative and/or mixed-methods research approaches will be considered an asset.
- Proven experience of applied research in universities or universities of applied sciences with project acquisition and management.
- Significant and recognised experience in higher education teaching.
- To have contributed, in their professional career, to institutional development.
- Demonstrable experience in transferring knowledge to socio-economic partners, participation in professional or scientific associations
- Knowledge of at least one national Swiss language in addition to Italian and English.
- Strong communication, interpersonal and social skills.
Additional preferential criteria
- Teaching qualification (or commitment to qualify within 4 years of appointment).
- Knowledge of the Swiss university system and the socio-economic context of Ticino.
We offer
- An academic position at a nationally recognised University of Applied Sciences.
- A stimulating training and applied research environment with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility in a dynamic context.
- A team of motivated colleagues.
- A working environment that is attentive to the quality of human relations and work-life balance.
Application requirements
The requirements for this function are published in the "Direttive interne SUPSI" and in the "Regolamento del personale SUPSI" available on the "Documenti ufficiali" page.
Only applications submitted by 30.07.2026 using the dedicated form will be considered. They must be accompanied by:
- Cover letter in Italian or English.
- Complete Curriculum Vitae et studiorum.
- List of scientific publications and copy of the 5 most significant publications.
- Academic degrees and professional certificates.
- Honours, awards and mention of the most significant achievements during the professional career.
- At least two recent letters of reference confirming professional, scientific and teaching quality.
- Presentation of teaching activities carried out at university level with relevant evaluations.
- Presentation of activities carried out in research projects.
Additional information
Additional information can be requested from: Luca Crivelli, Director of DEASS (tel: +41 58 666 64 44)
Only applications submitted by the 30th of July 2026 using the application form will be considered. Applications that are incomplete, sent to other addresses or after the deadline will not be accepted.
