The University of Applied Sciences Chur, known locally as Fachhochschule Chur or FH Chur, is a leading institution in Eastern Switzerland dedicated to practical, industry-oriented higher education. Located in the vibrant city of Chur in Graubünden, it forms part of the larger University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland (OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule). Established to bridge academia and professional practice, FH Chur emphasizes hands-on learning, research with real-world impact, and strong ties to regional industries like tourism, engineering, and health sciences.
Jobs at University of Applied Sciences Chur attract professionals who thrive in a dynamic environment where teaching, research, and innovation intersect. With around 1,700 students across bachelor's and master's programs, the university offers roles that contribute to Switzerland's renowned higher education landscape. Whether you're eyeing lecturer positions or research opportunities, FH Chur provides a setting that combines alpine beauty with cutting-edge facilities.
The institution's focus on applied sciences means job seekers often need a blend of academic credentials and practical experience. Fields such as business administration, civil engineering, digital media, and social work dominate, reflecting Graubünden's economic strengths in tourism and technology.
Founded in 1968 as a technical college, FH Chur evolved into a full university of applied sciences in 1998 under Switzerland's higher education reforms. This transition aligned it with the Bologna Process, enabling internationally recognized degrees. Today, it stands as a key player in OST, with campuses in Chur, St. Gallen, and Rapperswil-Jona, serving the needs of one of Europe's most scenic regions.
Over the decades, FH Chur has grown its research output, securing funding from national bodies like the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). This history of expansion has created diverse job opportunities, from founding faculty roles in the early days to current leadership positions in sustainable development projects tailored to alpine challenges.
FH Chur organizes its offerings into schools like Business, Engineering, Design, Health Professions, and Social Work. Popular programs include Bachelor's in International Business Management and Master's in Engineering and Management of Complex Building Projects. These curricula integrate internships and projects with local companies, making faculty roles highly engaging.
Job seekers in education will find opportunities to teach modules on digital transformation or tourism innovation, often in collaboration with regional partners like the Graubünden tourism board. The university's commitment to dual education—combining study and work—means lecturers guide students through practical simulations and industry placements.
Career opportunities at University of Applied Sciences Chur span teaching, research, and support roles. Common positions include professors of practice, research associates, and department heads. For a comprehensive breakdown of university job types, explore available categories.
Many roles emphasize interdisciplinary work, such as combining engineering with environmental sciences for Graubünden-specific solutions like avalanche prediction models.
To secure jobs at University of Applied Sciences Chur, candidates typically need a master's degree minimum for lecturers, with a PhD preferred for professorial positions. Fields like engineering require accreditation from bodies such as the Swiss Engineering Society (SIT). Teaching qualifications, such as a pedagogy certificate, are often mandatory, reflecting Switzerland's rigorous standards.
International applicants must demonstrate equivalence via ENIC-NARIC recognition. Practical vocational training (e.g., 5+ years in industry) substitutes for advanced degrees in applied roles.
FH Chur's research centers on applied challenges: sustainable tourism in the Alps, smart building technologies, digital health innovations, and regional economic development. Expertise in areas like renewable energy systems or data analytics for hospitality is highly sought. Funded projects, such as those under Innosuisse, demand skills in grant writing and consortium leadership.
Researchers contribute to OST's 50+ competence centers, publishing in journals like the Journal of Alpine Research. Collaboration with ETH Zurich enhances opportunities for joint ventures.
Employers at FH Chur favor candidates with 3-5 years of professional practice, peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ in Scopus-indexed journals), and grant success (e.g., SNSF funding). Experience supervising theses or industry consulting strengthens applications. For leadership roles, prior management in Swiss higher ed or Fachhochschulen is advantageous.
Essential skills include German (C1 level) or English proficiency, strong communication for diverse student cohorts, and digital tools like Moodle for teaching. Competencies in project management (PMP certified preferred), interdisciplinary teamwork, and innovation mindset are critical. Soft skills like adaptability to Switzerland's multilingual context (Romansh influences in Graubünden) set candidates apart.
The application process for jobs at University of Applied Sciences Chur starts with online submission via the OST career portal. Tailor your CV to highlight practical achievements (use Europass format), include a motivation letter addressing FH Chur's applied focus, and list references early.
Tip: Emphasize regional ties—knowledge of Swiss work culture (punctuality, consensus-building) impresses panels. For CV advice, see our free resume template.
FH Chur actively advances diversity through its Equal Opportunities Office, targeting 40% female professors by 2030 via mentorship programs. Initiatives include scholarships for underrepresented groups, anti-bias training, and partnerships with Pro Mente Sana for mental health support. As part of Switzerland's diverse Graubünden (Romansh-speaking), the university hosts cultural integration workshops and international staff networks.
Recent efforts: Gender equality audits and accessibility upgrades for the Chur campus, fostering an inclusive environment for global talent.
Work-life balance at FH Chur benefits from Swiss norms: 4-6 weeks annual leave, flexible hours (38.5/week), and parental leave (14 weeks maternity). The Chur campus features ergonomic offices, on-site childcare, and wellness centers. Nestled in the Alps, employees enjoy hiking trails, ski passes subsidies, and cultural events like Chur's annual film festival.
Campus life buzzes with student collaborations, research seminars, and team-building retreats in nearby mountains. Commutes are short in compact Chur (pop. 36,000), with excellent public transport. Remote work hybrid models post-COVID enhance flexibility for researchers.
Fachhochschule (FH): German for University of Applied Sciences, focusing on practical training versus traditional universities' theoretical emphasis.
OST: Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, the umbrella organization including FH Chur.
Innosuisse: Switzerland's innovation agency funding applied R&D projects.
SNSF: Swiss National Science Foundation, primary grant provider for research.
Jobs at University of Applied Sciences Chur offer stability in Switzerland's top higher ed system, with competitive salaries (e.g., CHF 100k+ for lecturers). Connect with higher ed jobs, explore higher ed career advice, find university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Check related reads like employer branding secrets and become a university lecturer for insights.
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