The University of Basel invites applications for a fully funded, four-year PhD position in Environmental and Agricultural History focusing on Turkey. The position is part of the Swiss National Science Foundation project “Feeding the Earth” and will begin on June 1, 2026.
| Title | PhD Position (100%, 4 yrs.) in Environmental/Agricultural History (Turkey) |
|---|---|
| Organization/Publisher | University of Basel |
| Work Location | Basel, Switzerland |
| Research Field | Environmental History, Agricultural History, Turkish 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 | MA degree (or equivalent) in History or related discipline |
| Required Experience | Archival research, Turkish history expertise, English and Turkish proficiency |
| Salary Details | According to University of Basel and Swiss National Science Foundation regulations |
The Europainstitut / Institute for European Global Studies at the University of Basel, Switzerland, welcomes applications for a fully funded PhD position as part of the Swiss National Science Foundation project “Feeding the Earth: Synthetic Fertilizers and the Remaking of Agriculture in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries.”
The collaborative project involves the University of Basel, University of Birmingham, and Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg, examining how synthetic fertilizers transformed agriculture globally.
This specific position focuses on Turkey (1930s–1960s) and is based at the Institute for European Global Studies.
Position Description
The PhD sub-project, titled “Agents of Trust: The Spread of Fertilizers in Turkey, 1930s–1960s,” explores how the adoption of chemical fertilizers became a strategic issue in twentieth-century Turkey.
It investigates the relationship between the farming population, international experts, and the state — focusing on themes of modernization, trust, and agricultural knowledge transfer.
The researcher will analyze:
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The influence of foreign (mostly German) fertilizer producers and farmer communities.
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The nationalization of fertilizer production and its political-economic implications.
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The reappropriation of soil knowledge by farmer associations during the 1960s.
Responsibilities
The selected PhD candidate will:
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Conduct independent archival and oral history research in Turkey.
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Complete the doctoral dissertation within the project period.
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Publish at least one peer-reviewed article or book chapter.
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Present findings at international academic conferences.
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Collaborate with the project team and assist in administrative and communication duties.
Candidate Profile
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MA degree (or equivalent) in History or a related discipline.
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Fluent in English; strong knowledge of Turkish required.
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Reading proficiency in late Ottoman Turkish, German, and French preferred.
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Proven experience in archival research and familiarity with Turkish history.
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Excellent organization, communication, and teamwork skills.
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Willingness to reside in Basel during the contract period and travel for research purposes.
We Offer You
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Employment in an internationally collaborative research team.
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Academic affiliation with the Basel Graduate School of History.
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Full funding for four years (1+3) under University of Basel and SNSF regulations.
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Comprehensive supervision, structured PhD training, and peer mentoring.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the University of Basel job portal by December 8, 2025.
Required documents 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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Writing sample (max. 10 pages)
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Contact details of two referees
Interviews will take place via videocall on January 8–9, 2026.
For questions, contact:
Prof. Dr. Corey Ross (corey.ross@unibas.ch) or Prof. Dr. Heinrich Hartmann (heinrich.hartmann@hsu-hh.de).
Disclaimer
This job post is shared for informational purposes only. We do not manage or represent this position. Official details are available on the University of Basel website.