Two student assistant positions

Faculty of Communication, Culture & Society
Institute of Marketing and Communication Management (IMCA)

Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a young and lively university in Lugano,
Switzerland and ranks 3rd in the U-Multirank 2022 of Swiss universities. It is 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 centre stage, and where our researchers can
count on having the space to freely pursue their initiatives. 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.

The Institute of Marketing and Communication Management (IMCA) (www.imca.usi.ch)
proposes an alternative perspective in education and research in the fields of marketing and
management focusing on communication and cultural processes. IMCA’s communicative
and interdisciplinary approach has allowed the Institute to develop a processual, cultural,
performative, and socio-material reading of organizations, business networks, communities
of stakeholders and consumers. IMCA distinguishes itself for its focus on qualitative
methodologies, in particular case studies, ethnographies, and visual analysis.

Student Assistant
IMCA invites applications for a student assistant supporting teaching and research initiatives
within the wider field of organization studies. Privileging a communication-centered angle,
topics of our interests are innovation & entrepreneurship, organizational change, knowledge
and learning, the role of technology and materiality in organizations, corporate
communication and organizational communication.

There is a possibility that after a successful period as student assistant and the completion of
the master studies, the successful candidates can stay on as research assistants/PhD
students.

On the teaching side, the successful candidate will work as teaching assistant in courses,
helping in the preparation of teaching materials and tutoring bachelor students.

On a research side, the person will collaborate in the development of short academic texts
and case studies.

Candidate’s profile
The ideal candidate for the position should satisfy the following requirements:

• A Bachelor degree in business, communication, sociology, anthropology, or related
  disciplines and being enrolled in a master program in management or
  communication. A score of 8 or higher should be in reach for the Master studies;

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• Some experience in qualitative research, enjoy academic work and share an
  academic curiosity, be motivated to pursue a PhD;
• Proficiency in English in writing and orally;
• An international orientation
• Ability to work in team and autonomy in ideating, planning and carrying out
  qualitative research. Interest for teaching and tutoring students and availability to
  collaborate with colleagues (engage in scientific dialogue, listen and think critically)
  are required;
• High personal interest in understanding organizational phenomena through
  immersive, qualitative (i.e. ethnographic methods) research.

Contract terms
Workplace is USI Università della Svizzera italiana, located in Lugano, Switzerland.
An employment of 35% corrisponding to 15 hours/week will be retributed with a gross salary
of CHF 1'400.- .

The Application
Applications should contain:
(1) a letter in which the applicant describes his/her motivation to apply;
(2) a complete CV;
(3) copies of relevant diplomas, certificates with full transcripts and an indication of the
master program currently enrolled (with planned conclusion date).
(4) an electronic version of a research work (Bachelor thesis or other academic writings).

Please send your application electronically to Prof. Francesco Lurati and Prof. Jeanne
Mengis, jeanne.mengis@usi.ch, francesco.lurati@usi.ch.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

The two positions will be filled on a rolling basis, at the earliest on 1 April, 2024.

As an institution that values diversity, USI particularly encourages applications from women
and from all individuals from underrepresented groups.

Lugano, 12.03.2024