Three Doctoral Positions in History

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The Institute of History at the University of Bern is offering three doctoral positions starting on July 1, 2026, or by agreement, within the historical research project “Women's Global 1990s:
Networks, Activism, and Politics,” funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The positions are limited to four years.

The research project examines transnational women's networks that were founded between the mid‑1980s and the beginning of the new millennium. They brought together activists from the global North and South and became the most important organisations within the transnational women's movement. In the 1990s, they emerged as key political actors and knowledge producers, placing women's and gender issues on the agendas of international organisations and conferences.

The project investigates the political strategies of these women’s networks as well as the challenges, controversies, and setbacks they faced. Drawing on concepts from global history, gender history, and the history of knowledge, it explores both their activities at the international level and significant local contexts, particularly grassroots groups and activists from the global South. The three dissertations within the research project are planned to focus on transnational women's networks that were active in the areas of sustainable development, reproductive health, and informal employment.

The successful candidates will write a historical dissertation on one of the topics within the project over four years. This includes conducting research in archives and libraries in various countries, regularly participating in research group meetings, and presenting research findings at internal workshops and international conferences.

• Excellent master’s degree or equivalent in history
• High level of motivation to pursue a doctoral dissertation in history
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, as well as the ability to organise yourself
• Keen interest in the research project, along with a willingness to engage deeply with global women’s and gender history and the specific focus of the dissertation
• Willingness to engage in international networking and to participate in and contribute to internal workshops and international conferences

• A four‑year academic qualification position (100%) aimed at obtaining a doctorate
• Salary in accordance with the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) guidelines, as well as attractive employment conditions and social benefits
• A modern and well‑equipped workplace in a dynamic and inspiring university environment
• Access to training programmes and continuing education opportunities for doctoral students, as well as a wide range of academic activities
• A productive and supportive atmosphere within the research project, as well as support from a network of renowned specialists

Please submit your application as a single PDF to Sibylle.marti by March 15, 2026. The application should include the following documents:

• Letter of motivation (including details of your interest in the research project)
• Curriculum vitae (including publications, if applicable)
• Copies of academic certificates
• Contact details of two references
• Excerpt from your master’s thesis or another historical writing sample (approximately 10–20 pages)

Interviews will take place on April 7 and 8, 2026, either in person or via Zoom. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. The University of Bern is committed to increasing the proportion of women in academic positions. Qualified female candidates are explicitly encouraged to apply.