About the Fellowship
The eikones – Center for the Theory and History of the Image at the University of Basel invites applications for three fully funded NOMIS Research Fellowships, starting on 1 September 2026. These prestigious one-year fellowships are open to early-career and senior researchers from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The fellowships support original and interdisciplinary research projects that explore how images serve as models or paradigms in aesthetic, scientific, and cultural contexts. Fellows will work in a collaborative environment with access to exceptional institutional resources, free from teaching or administrative duties. Research can include topics such as imaging techniques, visual culture, canon formation, or political iconography. This programme is designed to foster innovation, support academic excellence, and advance our understanding of the power of images across disciplines.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: NOMIS Fellowship
- Host Institution: eikones – Center for the Theory and History of the Image, University of Basel
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: NOMIS Foundation
- Location: Basel, Switzerland
- Research Field(s): Image Studies, Visual Theory, History of Science, Aesthetics, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences
- Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship / Senior Research Fellowship (Full-time)
- Level: Early-career and Senior-level researchers
- Fellowship Duration: 12 months
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
- Working Hours: As per institutional norms
- Funding/Compensation: Competitive salary, travel support, conference funds, research infrastructure
- Required Degree/Diploma: Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent)
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Image Studies
- Visual Theory
- Aesthetics and Art History
- History of Imaging Techniques
- Cultural Studies
- Natural Sciences (with focus on visual representation)
- Political Theory and Social Iconography
- Canon Formation and Interdisciplinary Visual Research
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Completed doctoral degree
- Either one published monograph (e.g. dissertation) or three peer-reviewed articles/book chapters
- Open to researchers from all nationalities and academic disciplines related to image studies
- Applications accepted in German or English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong publication record
- Original, interdisciplinary, or methodological innovation
- Clear alignment with the research theme: images as models/paradigms
Not Eligible:
Submissions after the deadline or not following application guidelines
Fellowship/Job Benefits
- Competitive monthly salary
- Travel allowance for conferences and research trips
- Conference and publication support
- No teaching or administrative obligations
- Access to institutional resources and office space at eikones
- Integration into an active academic community in Basel
Key Responsibilities
- Pursue original, independent research aligned with fellowship goals
- Engage with interdisciplinary research communities
- Participate in events organised by eikones
- Maintain residence in Basel during the fellowship period
- Disseminate research outcomes through publications or presentations
Application Process
How to Apply
Submit your application via the University of Basel’s online portal: Apply Online Here
Required Documents:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Contact details of two referees (no letters required)
- Copy of doctoral degree
- Project proposal (2–3 pages with references)
- Published writing sample (approx. 20 pages)
Applications must be uploaded as two separate files:
- (1) A single PDF containing all materials (items 1–6) under “Resume”
- (2) An additional cover letter under “Cover Letter”
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Now open
- Deadline: 1 September 2025 (11:59 PM CET)
- Interview Period: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Fellowship Start Date: 1 September 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: University of Basel
- Official Fellowship Notification: Universität Basel: Call for Applications: Three NOMIS Fellowships 100%
- Apply Online Here: Call for Applications: NOMIS Fellowships
📧 Contact for Queries: eikones@unibas.ch
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