Associate or Full Professor in Economics and Director of the Institute for Economic Research, Faculty of Economics, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
The Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a young and lively university, a hub of opportunity open to the world where students are offered a quality interdisciplinary education in which they can be fully engaged and take center stage, and where our researchers can count on having the space to freely pursue their initiative.
Established in 1996, USI is in constant evolution, always taking on new challenges while remaining true to its three guiding principles: quality, openness, and responsibility. Facing the challenges of today’s globalized economies entails the ability to interpret and manage complexity. With professors who are at the forefront of research in their respective fields, the Faculty of Economics is the ideal venue to acquire and further develop competence, flexibility, and intellectual curiosity to identify fundamental issues and face them with creativity and talent.
The Faculty of Economics invites applications from candidates with an international research profile for a position as Associate or Full Professor in Economics. Outstanding applicants from all fields of applied economics will be considered. Particular attention will be given to candidates conducting research in one or more of these areas: regional and urban economics, public finance, labor economics, and environmental and energy economics.
The position also involves serving as Director of the Institute for Economic Research (IRE), which conducts applied research on issues of regional importance chosen in coordination with the Cantonal Department of Finance and Economy (DFE). Through its three observatories (O-Tur, O-De, O-Fpe), IRE conducts research studies and policy evaluations, serves as consultancy of cantonal policy makers and monitors the local economy, with a particular focus on the labor market, as well as the tourism sector, public sector, and the energy sector. The research activities of IRE are part of USI’s mandate from the Canton of Ticino.
1. The position
The Faculty of Economics of USI provides a young and dynamic environment with strong research competences in the areas of economics, finance, and management. The position is primarily affiliated with the Institute for Economic Research (Istituto di Ricerche Economiche, IRE) and can also be affiliated with the Institute of Economics (Istituto di Economia Politica, IdEP). Please refer to https://idep.usi.ch and https://www.ire.usi.ch/en for more information.
2. The candidate’s profile
The ideal candidate has a strong publication record in top/top-field economics journals on policy-relevant topics (including – but not restricted to – regional and urban economics, public finance, labor economics, and environmental and energy economics). Academic achievements should be complemented by a demonstrated ability to lead a research group and generate external funding. The successful candidate is fluent in Italian and willing to invest in the knowledge of the local economy of the Canton of Ticino. The required academic qualification is a doctoral degree in Economics (PhD).
USI is aware of the various and different backgrounds of its employees and, as an institution that promotes diversity and inclusion, USI particularly encourages applications by female candidates and of all under-represented groups.
3. Teaching load
The standard teaching load of 18 ECTS is reduced while the candidate serves as Director of IRE. The size of the teaching reduction will be part of the contract negotiation.
4. Residence
Professors are asked to reside in the Canton of Ticino, which is part of the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland. The new professor is expected to provide consistent participation in the academic and institutional activities of the university.
5. Salary and contract
The salary is determined in accordance with university regulations and is competitive with leading European institutions. The precise salary level will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and academic credentials.
6. Application files
The application should include the following documents:
- Cover letter
- Motivation letter to apply for the directorship of IRE
- Your vision for IRE
- Research statement
- Teaching statement
- Detailed CV
- Publication list
- Copies of three of the most representative papers
- Names and addresses of three references
7. Deadline
Applications received by August 31, 2025, will be given priority. Applications are welcome and reviewed until the position is filled.
For more detailed information, please contact the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Giovanni Pica: giovanni.pica@usi.ch.
To apply, visit https://recruitment.usi.ch/positiondetails/3473408.
To apply, visit https://recruitment.usi.ch/positiondetails/3473408. (See posting for details.)