Researcher Development

The Young Talents Programme offers early-career researchers the opportunity to advance their own research projects. Through the university’s Research Promotion Fund, doctoral candidates can apply for funding to realise innovative initiatives and strengthen their academic profile.

The Research Prize of the Principality of Liechtenstein is awarded annually and recognises outstanding academic work with prize money of CHF 10,000. It is aimed at early-career researchers at the University of Liechtenstein and enhances the visibility of exceptional research achievements.

As part of the global academic community, the University of Liechtenstein regularly participates in the renowned Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. Early-career researchers are given a unique opportunity to engage in dialogue with leading scientists.

Prospective early-career researchers have the opportunity to enrol in the following doctoral programmes:

• Doctoral Programme Business Economics
• Doctoral Programme Business Law
• Doctoral Programme Architecture

Venia Docendi

At the University of Liechtenstein, the term habilitation refers to the academic qualification known as venia docendi (teaching qualification). It certifies that the candidate possesses outstanding scientific and pedagogical aptitude for conducting independent research and teaching in a specific academic field or combination of disciplines. The habilitation represents the highest level of academic qualification for university teaching.

Venia Legendi

As part of the habilitation process, candidates may also apply for venia legendi (teaching authorisation). This entitles them to exercise academic teaching freely using the resources of the University of Liechtenstein, and to supervise and assess academic work. The granting of venia legendi requires the prior attainment of venia docendi and documented teaching experience at the University of Liechtenstein.

The Procedure

The habilitation process at the University of Liechtenstein is conducted by the Habilitation Committee. It begins with a formal application to initiate the procedure. The application must include all required documentation and evidence and is assessed in accordance with the applicable Habilitation Regulations and the subject-specific implementation guidelines.

The Habilitation Thesis

The core element of the habilitation is the habilitation thesis. It is an independent scholarly work of high academic relevance. Accepted formats include monographs, cumulative works, or equivalent academic or artistic publications. The specific requirements are defined by the subject-specific implementation guidelines of the respective disciplines.

• Implementation Guidelines for Business Administration
• Implementation Guidelines for Business Law
• Implementation Guidelines for Architecture and Spatial Development

The position of Research Assistant offers university graduates the opportunity to pursue academic qualification after completing a master's degree. The primary goal is to acquire the skills required for independent academic work.

The position is limited to a maximum of three years and requires an employment level of at least 50%. Research Assistants support teaching activities, supervise students during thesis work, and actively contribute to research and knowledge transfer projects. The specific tasks are defined in an individual qualification agreement.

Applicants are expected to hold an above-average master’s degree in a relevant field of study and demonstrate particular aptitude for academic work. As a rule, Research Assistants are concurrently enrolled in the doctoral programme at the University of Liechtenstein.

The position of Research Assistant (Wissenschaftliche:r Mitarbeiter:in) is aimed at qualified university graduates who wish to further develop their academic competencies after completing a master's degree. The goal is advanced qualification in the relevant discipline and the acquisition of teaching, research, and knowledge transfer experience.

Research Associates are employed on a fixed-term basis for up to five years, with a minimum employment level of 50%. They carry out tasks independently in teaching, research, or knowledge transfer, always in close coordination with their supervisor. Responsibilities typically include conducting courses, supervising theses, contributing to research projects, and actively participating in academic self-governance.

Applicants are expected to hold an above-average master's degree, demonstrate academic aptitude, and possess pedagogical and didactic skills for independent teaching. This is generally the case after successful completion of the preparatory phase of the doctoral programme at the University of Liechtenstein. Specific duties and qualification objectives are defined in an individual qualification agreement.

The position of Postdoctoral Researcher serves to support academic qualification after the completion of a doctoral degree. It is aimed at early-career researchers with high potential who wish to advance their academic careers and take on independent responsibilities in teaching, research, and knowledge transfer.

Postdoctoral Researchers are initially employed for three years with a minimum employment level of 50%. Upon positive evaluation, an extension of up to two additional years is possible. The position offers the opportunity to further develop independent research projects while assuming substantial responsibilities in university teaching and research.

Responsibilities include independently conducting courses, supervising students, coordinating modules, and actively contributing to research and knowledge transfer projects. Postdoctoral Researchers also engage in academic self-governance. A defined portion of their working time is reserved for their own scientific qualification.

Applicants must hold a completed doctoral degree, an excellent academic record, pedagogical and didactic competencies, and a strong academic profile with development potential. Specific tasks and objectives are outlined in an individual qualification agreement.

Senior Scientists are experienced researchers who play a key role in advancing research at the University of Liechtenstein through their subject-matter expertise. They take on demanding responsibilities in research, teaching, and academic knowledge transfer, and actively contribute to the support and mentoring of early-career researchers.

Senior Scientists may be employed on a permanent basis and typically work with a minimum employment level of 50%. The specific focus of their duties is defined individually and depends on their teaching and research engagement. Their responsibilities include independently conducting research and transfer projects, acquiring third-party funding, supervising student work, and contributing to academic self-governance.

In addition to outstanding subject-specific qualifications, candidates are expected to hold a completed doctoral degree and demonstrate proven experience in academic research. Senior Scientists also serve as mentors and actively support the development of the next generation of researchers.

The Assistant Professorship (non-tenure track) offers postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to further develop their academic qualifications and prepare specifically for a professorship at another university. The position is fixed-term and may be extended under certain conditions — however, a transition to a permanent appointment is not intended.

Assistant Professors (non-tenure track) are actively involved in research, teaching, and knowledge transfer. Their responsibilities include delivering courses, supervising student theses, contributing to research projects, and participating in academic self-governance. They also dedicate an appropriate portion of their working time to their own academic qualification.

Applicants must hold an excellent university degree, a completed doctorate (or equivalent artistic achievement), and demonstrate outstanding research potential. The position requires a minimum employment level of 50% and is accompanied by a structured qualification process.

The Assistant Professorship (tenure track) is an academic qualification position that offers a clear pathway to a permanent appointment as Associate Professor. It is designed to give promising researchers the opportunity to qualify for a professorship through outstanding achievements in research, teaching, and academic service.

The appointment is made by the University Council based on a structured selection process in accordance with the university’s appointment regulations. The position is generally fixed-term for five years with a minimum employment level of 50%. A defined portion of working time is reserved for the candidate’s own research. Advancement to an Associate Professorship is contingent upon successful completion of a habilitation or proof of equivalent academic achievement.

During their appointment, Assistant Professors (tenure track) assume a wide range of academic responsibilities. They design and deliver courses, supervise theses at all levels, lead study programmes and modules, engage in research and knowledge transfer projects, acquire third-party funding, and actively participate in academic self-governance. In addition, they act as mentors and support the development of early-career researchers.

Applicants must hold an excellent university degree, a completed doctoral degree (or equivalent artistic qualification), and demonstrate exceptional research potential indicative of a successful habilitation. Performance is formally evaluated after a maximum of three years within a structured review process.