Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher, 60%

University of Basel

Basel - North West Switzerland - Switzerland

Environment

Senior Scientist / Postdoc

Published: 5 June 2026

Closing Date: 4 June 2026

The Social Transitions Research Group (STR), Department of Social Sciences, University of Basel, led by Prof. Max Bergman, researches the dynamics of sustainable transitions at the intersection of society, governance and technology. Through the Proof of Transition Concepts (pro Tract) program, STR examines real‑world cases of successful sustainability transitions, focusing on how public, private and civil society actors generate socially and ecologically positive outcomes.

The aim is to produce theoretically grounded, context‑sensitive and actionable research.

STR combines a substantive focus with methodological development, especially in qualitative and mixed methods research, case study research, transdisciplinary designs, and real‑world labs. The group is embedded in a European research network and contributes to collaborative sustainability research within Eucor, the European Campus. The successful candidate will contribute to sustainability research and activities within Eucor, a trinational alliance of five universities in the Upper Rhine region at the border of Germany, France and Switzerland, including the Universities of Basel, Freiburg, Haute‑Alsace, Strasbourg and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

We are looking for a post‑doctoral researcher starting 1 August 2026. The position is limited to 6 years (2 + 4 years).

• Collaborate on research projects, project development and publications
• Teach one course per semester (2 hours per week)
• Contribute to research methods training and research in participatory approaches, with a focus on transdisciplinary research, real‑world labs or similar
• Engage with students and administration
• Contribute to collaborative sustainability research and activities within the Eucor network, including joint projects, teaching initiatives and academic exchanges across the five member universities
• Contribute to the STR’s academic culture and identity

• A completed doctorate in sociology, sustainability studies or STS (with a focus on the social sciences); outstanding candidates at the very end of their doctorate may also be considered
• Theoretical and/or empirical interests relating to sustainability, social change and innovation
• Experience or interest in participatory research methods, especially transdisciplinary research, real‑world labs or similar
• International research experience, ideally in a European context
• Familiarity with or interest in cross‑border, multilingual research environments
• Excellent language skills in English AND either German or French (speaking and writing)

• Membership in a dynamic and productive research team
• Opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge
• An active national and international research network
• A well‑equipped and pleasant workplace in the centre of Basel
• Generous remuneration according to the University of Basel pay scale

Application / Contact:
Submit your application until 14 June 2026, including a cover letter stating your main research interests and experiences, CV with references and two writing samples, using the recruiting online tool of Basel University. For more information, please contact Prof. Max Bergman gman. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

In your application, please refer to my Science.ch and reference JobID
69945
.

www.unibas.ch