The University of Basel invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Environmental and Agricultural History. The position is part of the Swiss National Science Foundation project “Feeding the Earth” and focuses on the South African case study of synthetic fertilizer use in the 20th century.
Job Post
| Title | PhD Position (100%, 4 yrs.) in Environmental History and Agricultural History (South Africa) |
|---|---|
| Organization/Publisher | University of Basel |
| Work Location | Basel, Switzerland |
| Research Field | Environmental History, Agricultural History, African Studies |
| Funding Info | Fully Funded (Swiss National Science Foundation project) |
| Application Deadline | December 8, 2025 |
| Posted Date | November 2025 |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Researcher Profile | PhD Researcher |
| Apply Button | Apply via University of Basel job portal |
| Required Qualification | Master’s degree (MA) or equivalent in History or related discipline |
| Required Experience | Archival research, understanding of South African history, proficiency in English |
| Salary Details | According to University of Basel and Swiss National Science Foundation regulations |
The Department of History and the Europainstitut / Institute for European Global Studies at the University of Basel, Switzerland, announce a fully funded, four-year PhD position (100%) as part of the Swiss National Research Foundation project “Feeding the Earth: Synthetic Fertilizers and the Remaking of Agriculture in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries.”
The position will begin on June 1, 2026.
The project explores the global history of synthetic fertilizers and their impact on agricultural transformation. This includes investigating how fertilizer adoption shaped economies, environments, and societies across different regions, including northern Europe, South Africa, Turkey, and Morocco.
This PhD position focuses on “Synthetic fertilizers, contestations and alternatives in South Africa, c. 1900 to 1990.” The subproject examines how synthetic fertilizers spread during segregation and apartheid, analyzing their political, environmental, and economic dimensions.
Your Position
The selected PhD researcher will:
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Conduct independent archival and oral history research in South Africa.
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Complete a doctoral dissertation within four years.
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Publish at least one peer-reviewed article or book chapter.
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Present research at international conferences.
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Collaborate actively with team members and assist in administrative and communication tasks.
Your Profile
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in History or a related field and be fluent in English.
Preference will be given to candidates familiar with South African history and those proficient in Afrikaans, Xhosa, or another South African language.
Candidates should have experience in archival research, excellent organizational skills, and willingness to reside in Basel during the contract period.
We Offer You
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A stimulating academic environment as part of an international project team.
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Membership in the Basel Graduate School of History.
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A structured introduction process and ongoing peer support.
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A fully funded 4-year contract following University of Basel and SNSF employment conditions.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the University of Basel job portal by December 8, 2025.
The application should include:
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Letter of motivation
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Curriculum vitae
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List of publications (if applicable)
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Diplomas/MA certificates
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Scientific writing sample (max. 10 pages)
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Contact information of two referees
Interviews are expected to be conducted via videocall on January 8–9, 2026.
For inquiries, contact Prof. Dr. Julia Tischler at julia.tischler@unibas.ch.
Disclaimer
This position is published for informational purposes only. We do not manage or represent this post. All official details are available on the University of Basel website.