PhD Positions in Legal Governmentality, Climate Activism, and Social Anthropology at University of Bern

The Department of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies at the University of Bern, Switzerland, is inviting applications for two full-time PhD positions as part of the ERC Starting Grant Project “Legal Governmentality - governing climate activism through criminal law and human rights in Europe (LeGo)” (2026–2031). The project investigates how climate activism, particularly civil disobedience, is governed through legal frameworks, criminal law, and human rights discourses in Europe, with a focus on the UK and Germany. It addresses the tension between state repression and the legitimization of protest, examining the legal consciousness and conduct of climate activists and the broader implications for environmental governance. The PhD candidates will design and implement independent doctoral research projects, conduct ethnographic fieldwork, participate in comparative analysis, and contribute to academic publications and departmental life. The research themes include the legal governmentality of climate activism in the UK and Germany, situated at the intersection of political and legal anthropology, geography, ecology, social movements, and critical legal studies. The project is led by Prof. Jevgeniy Bluwstein, who emphasizes ethical research standards, participant safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in social sciences or legal studies, with strong skills in critical theory, qualitative methods, and knowledge of law and human rights. Excellent writing skills in English (and German for the Germany-focused position), organizational abilities, and openness to teamwork are required. The positions are fully funded for four years, with a salary between CHF 50,042 and CHF 53,263 per year, and additional funding for equipment, travel, and fieldwork. The application deadline is March 27, 2026. For more information, contact Prof. Jevgeniy Bluwstein at [email protected]. To apply, submit a motivation letter, CV, list of publications, degree certificates, referee contacts, and a writing sample as individual PDF files via the provided Dropbox link. The selection process includes submission of a research proposal, interviews, and a final decision by June 1, 2026. The PhD program offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment and opportunities for international collaboration with partner universities in the UK and Germany.