Fully-Funded PhD Admissions at University of Basel (2025 Intake)

Fully-Funded PhD Admissions at University of Basel (2025 Intake), Switzerland

About the Program

The eikones Graduate School at the Center for the Theory and History of the Image, University of Basel, Switzerland, invites applications for two fully-funded PhD positions starting from September 1, 2025.

Since 2005, eikones has served as an international and interdisciplinary hub for research on images—exploring their meaning, function, and impact across different cultures and time periods, from Antiquity to the present day. The graduate school is dedicated to foundational image theory and historical investigations of images as instruments of knowledge and cultural practice.

This doctoral program offers a structured academic environment, intensive supervision by members of the eikones faculty, and engagement with a vibrant international research community. It is ideally suited for students with a strong academic background and an original dissertation project in the field of image theory and history.

Program Details

Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
Institution: University of Basel
Department/Faculty: eikones Graduate School, Center for the Theory and History of the Image
Supervisor: A faculty member from the eikones Trägerschaft
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Start Date (Anticipated): September 1, 2025
Duration: 4 years
Funding: Fully funded (salary according to University of Basel standards for doctoral candidates)
Working Hours: Full-time (100%)

Research Area/Focus

Applicants may propose doctoral projects related to the theory and history of the image in any of the following disciplines:

History
Art History
Ancient History
Egyptology
English
German Literature
Latin Studies
Media Studies
Musicology
Philosophy

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the relevant disciplines listed above
Completion of the degree by September 1, 2025
Degree must have been earned within the last two years (exceptions may be made in extraordinary circumstances)
Willingness to enroll at the University of Basel and meet all program requirements of the eikones Graduate School

Preferred Qualifications:

Excellent academic record and demonstrable research potential
Well-conceived and innovative doctoral project
Background in image theory, visual studies, or historical and cultural analysis
Readiness to work in an interdisciplinary and international academic environment

Key Features of the Program

Structured doctoral training with regular coursework
Dedicated supervision and mentoring by faculty
Participation in workshops, conferences, and lectures by visiting scholars
International and interdisciplinary research setting
Access to university and partner institution resources
Conference and travel support opportunities

Application Process

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online in German or English as two separate files via the University of Basel’s application portal.

Upload the Cover Letter separately in the “cover letter” field
Combine all other documents (items 2–6 below) into a single PDF file and upload it via the “resume” field

Required Documents:

Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Degree certificates and academic transcripts
Contact information for two academic references
Project description (maximum 10 pages) with bibliography
Writing sample (maximum 20 pages)

Applications that do not follow this format or are submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Important Dates

Applications Open: Ongoing
Application Deadline: April 27, 2025
Interview Notifications: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the deadline