Professorship (Open Rank) in Social sciences or Social work

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 Professorship in Social sciences or Social work (the specific field will be agreed with the chosen candidate at the nomination). Occupancy level: 80%-100%. Starting date: 1 November 2024 or by agreement.

The winner of the competition will also be appointed as the Head of the Competence Centre for Labour, Welfare and Social Research for a four-year term. This may be renewed for a further four years. Depending on the characteristics and academic experience assessed by the nomination committee, the winner of the competition will be awarded the title of associate professor or full professor, in accordance with SUPSI's internal directives for contract staff (https://www.supsi.ch/documenti-ufficiali), specifically directive 4b on academic careers / paragraphs 3.14 and 3.15 and its annex.

Professional context

The Competence Centre for Labour, Welfare and Social Research (CLWS) conducts research activities that are anchored in the local institutional context and pays careful attention to what is happening on a national and international scale. It has developed a multidisciplinary approach in the area of social sciences, with a predominantly socio-economic and socio-educational perspective. As outlined in its mission statement, CLWS proactively works on the causes of inequality and social vulnerability to combat various forms of marginalization and discrimination. 

CLWS research activities  are oriented towards the following areas: the world of work and its transformations, welfare models and public policies, migration, forms of belonging and citizenship, modes of learning and social participation, and socio-educational intervention in the various specific areas of social work.

Tasks and Responsibilities as Professor

Research and services

• Exercise scientific seniority in their subject areas by designing, directing, and conducting research projects and producing publications relevant to the topic.
• Acquire and coordinate research and service mandates with local, national, and international outreach. 
• Promote dynamic collaborations with stakeholders in their field of activity, maintaining strong links with local institutions and with national and international academic and professional networks.
• Teaching
• Designing and carrying out teaching activities, to make a significant contribution to both the graduate and postgraduate levels.
• Actively and collectively participate in the development of the department's training portfolio.
• Duties and responsibilities as Head of the Competence Centre for Labour, Welfare and Social Research (CLWS) 
• Assume overall responsibility for the CLWS and leadership of the research team promoting the scientific and professional growth of individuals, quality of work and collective well-being, to achieve shared goals and enhance the abilities of everyone.
• Ensuring the financial sustainability of CLWS.
• Collaborate in the development of interdisciplinary activities in synergy with colleagues operating at the CLWS.
• Participate, together with the departmental head of research, in the strategic development of DEASS research and service activities and the implementation of the related action plan.

Skills profile and requirements

• PhD in sociology, anthropology, political science, social science, social work, economics, or related fields.
• Relevant scientific research and production on topics of interest for this position.
• Proven research experience in universities or universities of applied sciences with project acquisition and management.
• Recognised membership of relevant scientific community at the national and international levels.
• Proven leadership skills and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
• Having contributed to institutional development during their professional careers.
• Proven experience in transferring knowledge to an external social context.
• Significant and recognised experience in university teaching.
• Knowledge of English and at least one other national language in addition to Italian.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and social skills.

Additional preferred criteria

• Teaching qualification (or willingness to obtain one within three years of appointment).
• Knowledge of the Swiss university system and the social fabric of Ticino.
• We offer
• An academic position at a nationally recognised University of Applied Sciences.
• A stimulating leadership, teaching, and applied research with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility in a constantly changing university environment.
• Interdisciplinary team of motivated, experienced, and competent colleagues.
• A working environment focused on the quality of human relationships and innovation.

Application requirements

Interested candidates should submit their applications by September 1, 2024, using the dedicated application form. The applications should include the following:

• A cover letter containing your motivation to apply to the position.
• A full curriculum vitae,.
• List of scientific publications and link at the 5 most significant publications.
• Academic degrees and professional certificates.
• Honors and/or awards received.
• At least two recent letters of reference attesting the professional, scientific and teaching qualifications.
• Presentation of activities conducted in the research projects.
• Presentation of teaching activities conducted at university level with relevant evaluations. 

For further information, please contact Luca Crivelli, DEASS Director (secretariat telephone: +41 58 666 64 44) and/or Gian Luca Di Tanna, Head of Research and services DEASS (Gianluca.ditanna@supsi.ch)

Please note that incomplete applications, applications sent to other addresses, and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

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