PhD position in French literature 100%

About the job

Institute of French Language and Literature University of Bern
Contract start: 01.02.2026
The position is limited to a maximum of four years
As part of the SNSF project "Editing poetry in French-speaking Switzerland (1900-2025). Books, journals, performances", the result of a collaboration between the University of Lausanne (Prof. Dominique Kunz Westerhoff and Prof. Daniel Maggetti) and the University of Bern (Prof. Patrick Suter), a PhD position in French literature (100%) is open for applications starting February 1, 2026. The position is intended for the preparation of a doctoral thesis and is limited to a maximum of four years (two years, renewable once). For more information on the scientific project .

• During the mandate, the recruited person will carry out a doctoral thesis (monograph) on the Editions de la Dogana, a Geneva-based publishing house specializing in poetry, whose catalog is characterized by its cross-border dimension and the translation of major poetic works. This thesis, carried out at the University of Bern, will be co-supervised by Prof. Patrick Suter (primary supervisor) and Prof. Dominique Kunz Westerhoff (secondary supervisor). It will rely, among other things, on the Dogana archive collections preserved at the Swiss Literary Archives in Bern, which must be studied thoroughly.
• In addition to writing the thesis, the recruited person is expected to write some of the hundred representative entries for a database on poetry editions in French-speaking Switzerland from the 20th to 21st centuries.
• Furthermore, within the framework of the "Editing poetry in French-speaking Switzerland" catalog, they will contribute to the presentation of La Dogana and gather testimonies from the involved actors.
• The position requires participation in research meetings, assistance in organizing scientific events, as well as pedagogical and administrative activities.

• Master's degree or equivalent diploma in French or comparative literature (minimum grade: 5).
• Strong motivation to write a thesis in French literature (with a comparative dimension)
• Good knowledge of contemporary poetry and poetry from French-speaking Switzerland; interest in publishing-related issues
• Ability to work in a team
• Organizational skills, especially for independent work
• Willingness to participate in conferences and scientific meetings
• Willingness to develop a scientific network
• Good language skills (French native or C2, German, English; other European languages are an asset)

• Salary conditions according to SNSF criteria
• A well-equipped workplace at the University of Bern
• Access to continuing education programs and doctoral training as well as other academic activities
• Personalized supervision of the doctoral work

Contact: Prof. Patrick Suter (UNIBE): patrick.suter@unibe.ch , Prof. Dominique Kunz Westerhoff (UNIL): dominique.kunzwesterhoff@unil.ch

We look forward to your application which must include the following documents:

• Motivation letter (taking into account the orientation of the research project and the thesis topic)
• Curriculum vitae (with list of publications if applicable and references of two referees)
• Diplomas (with grade indications)
• Excerpt from the master's thesis (about 20 pages and bibliography)

Please upload your application by December 10, 2025 on the portal.

The University of Bern aims to increase the proportion of women in academic positions. Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.