PhD Fellowship – Alexander von Humboldt and French-German Networks in the Early History of Ecology Université Sorbonne Nouvelle in France

This PhD fellowship at Université Sorbonne Nouvelle offers an exceptional opportunity to join the ERC-funded project “Oecologie. The German Sources of Ecology” (2025–2030), led by Principal Investigator Stefanie Buchenau. The project investigates the philosophical and historical roots of ecology, focusing on the emergence of ecological thought in 19th-century European evolutionism and its sources in the German tradition, including figures like Kant, Humboldt, and Goethe. The research integrates conceptual history, history of philosophy and science, aesthetics, and philology, aiming to assess the broader implications of ecology as introduced by Ernst Haeckel.

The PhD position centers on the early history of ecology between the 18th and 19th centuries, with a special emphasis on Alexander von Humboldt’s Parisian activities and intellectual milieu. Candidates will explore Humboldt’s contributions within a wider network of naturalists, philosophers, and scientists engaged in transnational knowledge exchanges. Research may include the circulation of ideas through texts, correspondence, and other media, and examine neglected protagonists, marginal groups, and female authors. Approaches may span the reception and translation of early modern cosmology and natural history, the institutional emergence of scientific disciplines such as geography, geology, paleontology, biology, botany, and zoology, and the development of observational, illustrative, and field practices. Engagement with aesthetics, history of art, natural philosophy, and Romanticism is also encouraged.

Applicants are encouraged to work with a broad corpus, including Humboldt’s travel journals, field notebooks, correspondence, specimens, and illustrations or diagrams (such as plant distributions and early geological maps). Comparative, interdisciplinary, and case-study approaches—such as analyzing expeditions, correspondence networks, collections, and visualizations—are strongly supported. The position offers access to archives, libraries, and collections in France, Germany, and beyond, and opportunities for international collaboration.

The doctoral researcher will join a dynamic interdisciplinary team at the Maison de la Recherche in central Paris, participating in regular seminars, reading groups, workshops, and collaborative research activities. The team includes the Principal Investigator, two postdoctoral researchers, three doctoral researchers, and one project manager, alongside associated collaborators. Partnerships with institutions such as the Ernst-Haeckel-Haus (Jena) and the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities provide rich opportunities for scholarly exchange.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in history of science, European studies, or regional geography. Required skills include interest in environmental thought and early ecological concepts, ability to work with diverse sources, familiarity with 18th/19th-century European intellectual history (especially German and French traditions), and ability to work independently and collaboratively. Language requirements are excellent French and English, and good German. Application documents include a cover letter, CV, research proposal (max 4 pages), PDF of Master’s thesis, one reference letter, contact details of a second referee, and academic transcripts/degree certificates. Candidates currently enrolled in a Master’s programme must provide a transcript and a letter from their thesis supervisor.

Funding is provided through the ERC Horizon Europe programme, covering full doctoral research support, stipend, and research expenses. The position does not include mandatory teaching duties, though teaching opportunities may be available from the second year onward. The application deadline is June 10, 2026, and interviews will begin from June 15, 2026. Applicants should submit all materials as a single PDF by email to [email protected] with the subject line 'Application_PhD_Oecologie-Humboldt-[Your Name]'. It is strongly recommended to contact the team prior to submission to discuss your project outline and ensure complementarity with the team’s research.

For further information, visit the project website or the Euraxess position page. The research environment is vibrant and collaborative, offering excellent opportunities for academic development and international exchange.