PhD in International Public Law Opening for a PhD candidate (2025-2029) 80 - 100%

Bern

Key information

Publication date:20 August 2025
Place of work:Bern

Job summary

Join the University of Bern's PhD project "Resisting Human Erosion." This role offers a unique chance to explore climate migration.

Tasks

Investigate the experiences of climate migrants during their journeys.
Analyze data using tools like Nvivo to support research findings.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on climate justice topics.

Skills

Master's in International Public Law or related fields required.
Strong research skills and a passion for interdisciplinary work.
Fluency in English; German knowledge is a plus.

Is this helpful?

The research project "Resisting Human Erosion", led by prof. Elisa Fornalé (University of Bern), invites application for 1 PhD position.
The research project "Resisting Human Erosion", led by prof. Elisa Fornalé (University of Bern), invites application for 1 PhD position.

Project description

The SNF Consolidator project is funded by the Swiss National Scientific Foundation (SNSF). It aims to bridge the protection gaps opened up by the progressive uninhabitability of our planet, when climate change and human mobility are made to intersect. The theoretical focus is on capturing how time and temporalities are experienced by climate migrants at different stages in their migration trajectories and in a variety of contexts and spaces.

Requirements

Masters' Degree in International Public Law, Human Rights Law, Migration Law, or a related discipline;

Interest in climate change, climate justice, and philosophy of law;

Fluency in English. Knowledge of German is an advantage.

We are looking for a highly-motivated scholar with excellent research skills. Requirements for the positions are innate curiosity, enthusiasm for reading scientific literature and for building interdisciplinary collaboration. Experience with tools to analyze data (Nvivo) is advantageous.

The position is for four years, with an intended start date of December 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The PhD position is funded by the SNSF. Funds for conference attendance and research travel are also available.

How to apply

The University of Bern is an equal-opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. Informal inquiries may be addressed to Prof. Elisa Fornalé (E-Mail schreiben).