About the Program
The University of Basel, Switzerland, invites applications for a fully-funded, four-year PhD position in Environmental and Agricultural History, starting June 2026. This position is part of the Swiss National Research Foundation project “Feeding the Earth: Synthetic Fertilizers and the Remaking of Agriculture in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries”, conducted in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg.
The PhD project focuses on the Turkey case study, titled “Agents of Trust: The Spread of Fertilizers in Turkey 1930s–1960s”. It investigates how chemical fertilizers became strategically important, exploring interactions between foreign producers, Turkish farmers, and state institutions. Research methods include archival studies, oral history, and analysis of agricultural policy and practice. Candidates will contribute to international collaborations, attend conferences, and publish scholarly articles, gaining hands-on experience in an interdisciplinary research environment.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Basel
- Department/Faculty: Europainstitut / Institute for European Global Studies
- Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Corey Ross / Prof. Dr. Heinrich Hartmann
- Location: Basel, Switzerland
- Start Date (Anticipated): June 2026
- Duration: 4 years (1+3)
- Funding: Full, via Swiss National Science Foundation
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: MA in History or related discipline
Research Focus/Area
- Environmental and agricultural history
- History of synthetic fertilizers in Turkey (1930s–1960s)
- Interaction of state, foreign companies, and farming communities
- Archival research and oral history methodologies
- Global agricultural transitions and comparative historical analysis
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- MA in History or related field
- Fluency in English and good knowledge of Turkish
- Experience in archival research and knowledge of Turkish history
- Willingness to reside in Basel and travel for research
Preferred Qualifications:
- Reading knowledge of late Ottoman Turkish, German, and French
- Strong organisational skills and independent work ability
- Proficiency in MS Office and academic writing experience
Key Features of the Program
- Fully-funded PhD position for four years
- Membership in the Basel Graduate School of History
- Collaborative international research environment
- Opportunities for conference presentations and publications
- Supportive mentoring and structured introduction process
Application Process
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted exclusively via the University of Basel job portal.
Required Documents:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum vitae
- List of publications
- Diplomas / MA certificates
- Scientific writing sample (max. 10 pages)
- Two referees (name and contact)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 13 November 2025
- Deadline: 8 December 2025
- Interviews (if applicable): 8–9 January 2026 via videocall
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Basel
- Official Notification: click here
- Application Portal: click here
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