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Fixed-term career development positions and employment of doctoral students and assistants, as well as adjunct teaching positions, visiting professors and retired professors

In addition to the regulations on fixed-term employment under the Employment Protection Act (LAS), there are special conditions in place for teaching positions and employment of doctoral students and assistants that managers need to be aware of.

Many positions at higher education institutions pertain to career development positions and employment of doctoral students and assistants. These positions have a fixed period of employment by nature and apply, for example, to doctoral student and postdoc positions. For this reason, higher education institutions have additional leeway to limit the period of employment.

Eployment of doctoral students, clinical assistants and teaching assistants (student employment positions)

The fixed period of employment for doctoral students, clinical assistants and teaching assistants is governed by the Higher Education Ordinance.

Read more about student employment positions

Career development positions

A career development position is fixed-term employment which aims to promote a career path within academia.

Read more about career development positions

Adjunct teaching positions, visiting professors and the activities of retired professors (emeritus)

Fixed-term employment as e.g. adjunct lecturer/professor and visiting professor is governed by the Higher Education Ordinance and collective agreements. The activities of retired professors are governed in special regulations. 

Read more about adjunct teaching positions, visiting professors and the activities of retired professors

Contact

In the first instance, contact your nearest HR function.


You may also use the HR Division’s case management system to ask questions about different areas connected to HR encompassed in your role:  

Find the right HR information and support 

Overview of fixed-term employment  

Contact your nearest HR function for an overview of fixed-term employment.