Three PhD Positions in History 100%

At the Historical Institute of the University of Bern, three PhD positions are to be filled from July 1, 2026, or by agreement, in 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 founded between the mid-1980s and the beginning of the new millennium. These brought together activists from the global North and South and became the most important organizational form within the transnational women's movement. In the 1990s, they became significant political actors and knowledge producers who put women's and gender issues on the agenda of international organizations and conferences. The research project investigates the political strategies of these women's networks as well as the challenges, controversies, and setbacks they faced. Using concepts from global history, gender history, and the history of knowledge, it explores both their activities at the international level and important local contexts, especially women's groups and activists from the global South. It is planned that the three dissertations of the research project will deal with transnational women's networks active in the areas of (1) sustainable development, (2) reproductive health, and (3) informal work. Further information about the research project can be found here .

• Excellent Master's degree or equivalent in History
• High motivation to write a historical dissertation
• Strong teamwork and communication skills as well as the ability to self-organize
• Great interest in the research project and willingness to engage with global women's and gender history as well as the specific thematic area of your dissertation
• Willingness to network internationally and to participate and contribute to internal workshops and international conferences

• Four-year academic qualification position (100%) with the goal of a PhD
• Salary according to the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) as well as attractive employment conditions and social benefits
• Modern and well-equipped workplace in a dynamic and inspiring university environment
• Access to programs and further training opportunities for doctoral candidates as well as a variety of academic activities
• Productive and supportive atmosphere within the research project and guidance through a network of renowned specialists

• Motivation letter (including explanations of interest in the research project)
• Curriculum vitae (including any publications)
• Copies of certificates
• Two contacts for references
• Excerpt from the Master's thesis or another historical text (approx. 10-20 pages)

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