The Department of Social Sciences at the University of Basel is offering a four-year PhD position in Political Science, with a focus on Political Sociology, under the supervision of Professor Denise Traber. The position is initially for one year, renewable for up to three additional years following a positive evaluation. The successful candidate will develop and conduct an independent PhD research project in areas such as Political Sociology, Political Economy, Political Behavior, or related fields. The role also includes teaching one course per semester in German and active participation in departmental activities.

This opportunity is set within a vibrant, bilingual (English and German) research environment, providing dedicated faculty mentorship and collaboration with a motivated team. The University of Basel offers salary and social benefits according to its guidelines for PhD students. The position supports academic progress and professional development, with a maximum duration of four years.

Applicants must have a Master's degree in political science or a related discipline, strong skills in quantitative and/or computational methods, proficiency in R, didactic competence, and enthusiasm for teaching. A strong command of both German and English is required, along with a willingness to collaborate, contribute to the department's academic activities, and participate in university self-administration. Candidates should demonstrate excellent research skills and motivation to work independently.

Application materials should include a motivation letter, CV, diploma, 1-2 academic references (name and address), a writing sample (such as a master's thesis or seminar thesis), a brief outline of a proposed PhD project (2-3 pages), and 1-2 seminar suggestions (title and abstract). Applications must be submitted as PDF files via the University of Basel's online recruiting tool. The University of Basel is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, race, or physical disabilities.

The application deadline is January 23, 2026, with job talks and interviews scheduled for February 2026. For further information about the position, salary, or conditions, candidates may contact Professor Denise Traber at [email protected].