The University of Basel is inviting applications for a Senior Research Fellow (Oberassistenz) in Cultural Studies and European Ethnology. The position is based in the Department of Cultural Studies and European Ethnology in Basel, Switzerland. This 60% postdoctoral position focuses on visual, material, media and digital culture, museums, and memory and narrative studies. It is a two-year appointment starting on 1 February 2027 with the possibility of a four-year extension and an opportunity to pursue a habilitation.
Position Details
- Position: Senior Research Fellow (Oberassistenz) in Cultural Studies and European Ethnology
- Official Reference Number: Not specified
- Institution: University of Basel, Switzerland
- Department: Department of Cultural Studies and European Ethnology
- Research Discipline(s): Cultural Studies, European Ethnology, Empirical Cultural Studies, Social and Cultural Anthropology
- Location: Basel, Switzerland
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Research
- Contract Duration: Two years, with the possibility of a further four-year extension
- Start Date: 1 February 2027
- Working Hours: 60% (part-time)
- Application Deadline: 6 December 2026
- Required Qualification: Doctorate in European Ethnology/Empirical Cultural Studies or Social and Cultural Anthropology
About the Position
The Department of Cultural Studies and European Ethnology at the University of Basel brings together researchers studying cultural practices, social change and everyday life through theoretical and empirical approaches.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to pursue a habilitation and develop an independent research profile within the department. The role also involves collaboration with museums, cultural heritage organisations and research collections, including the multimedia archive of Swiss Empirical Cultural Studies (EKWS).
The position includes a teaching commitment of two hours per week.
Research Areas
- Visual and Material Culture
- Media and Digital Culture
- Museums
- Memory and Narrative Studies
- Cultural Studies
- European Ethnology
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A doctorate in European Ethnology, Empirical Cultural Studies, or Social and Cultural Anthropology.
- A research focus in visual, material, media or digital culture, museums, or memory and narrative studies.
- Experience conducting qualitative empirical research in a European context. Experience with fieldwork in non-European settings is also welcome.
- Experience collaborating with museums, cultural heritage organisations, research collections, civil society organisations or artistic communities.
- Previous university-level teaching experience.
- Excellent German and English language skills. Knowledge of Italian is an advantage.
- The ability to work independently, manage tasks effectively and contribute to a collaborative team.
Additional Desirable Skills: Experience in museum, exhibition or curatorial work and collections management is an advantage. Familiarity with multimedia software for video and audio, as well as experience developing multimodal teaching or exhibition projects, is also desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research in the department’s relevant fields, particularly visual, material, media and digital culture, museums, and memory and narrative studies.
- Work towards completing a habilitation.
- Develop and strengthen collaborations with museums, cultural heritage organisations and research collections.
- Build partnerships with civil society organisations and artistic communities in Basel and beyond.
- Deliver two hours of teaching per week.
- Supervise bachelor’s and master’s students and their theses.
- Contribute to departmental committees and administrative activities.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 6 December 2026
- Interview Date: 18 January 2027
- Position Start Date: 1 February 2027
Application Process
Candidates must apply through the University of Basel’s official online recruitment portal. Complete the online application and upload all required documents before the deadline. Applications submitted by email or other methods will not be accepted.
Required Documents
- Cover letter.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Academic transcripts.
- Outline of the research and teaching concept (maximum two pages per document).
- Sample essay or qualifying thesis.
For enquiries about the vacancy, contact Véronique Hilfiker at veronique.hilfiker@unibas.ch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree is required for the Senior Research Fellow position at the University of Basel?
Applicants must hold a doctorate in European Ethnology, Empirical Cultural Studies, or Social and Cultural Anthropology.
Is the Senior Research Fellow position full-time or part-time?
The position is part-time, with a workload of 60%.
Is German language proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants must have an excellent command of German and English. Italian language skills are an advantage.
Does the position support independent academic research?
Yes. The appointment provides an opportunity to develop independent research and work towards completing a habilitation.
Where will the interviews take place?
Interviews are scheduled for 18 January 2027 and will be held in Basel, Switzerland.
Related Opportunities
- Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Cultural Studies Jobs
- European Academic Positions
- Anthropology Research Jobs
- Research Jobs in Switzerland
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