PhD Fellowship – German Ecological Thought: Concepts, Transformations, and Contemporary Debates 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” (ERC AdG, 2025–2030), led by Principal Investigator Stefanie Buchenau. The project investigates the philosophical dimensions of ecology as introduced by Ernst Haeckel and explores its broader implications through conceptual history, history of philosophy and science, aesthetics, and philology. The research focus includes the emergence of ecological thought in 19th-century European evolutionism, its philosophical sources in the German tradition (Kant, Humboldt, Goethe), its reception in Germany and beyond, and its contemporary relevance for environmental studies and scientific discourse.

The PhD position is designed for candidates interested in the German history of ecology and its relevance for present-day environmental debates. It encourages original, conceptually driven research on motifs, epistemic practices, and frameworks shaping ecological thought. Candidates may explore the differentiation of ecology into biogeography, evolutionary ecology, ecosystem thinking, and the shifting relations between philosophy, natural history, and the life sciences. The position also invites investigation into the transnational reception and reinterpretation of German ecological, philosophical, and aesthetic traditions, tracing their circulation and transformation from the 19th century to the present.

A central aim is to foster critical dialogue with contemporary environmental debates, scientific practices, and the philosophy of ecology. Candidates are encouraged to engage with issues such as biodiversity, ecological niches, conservation ethics, restoration practices, resilience, sustainability, ecosystem management, climate, and evo-devo approaches. The project values interdisciplinary and comparative approaches, welcoming applicants from the humanities, social sciences, and natural/environmental sciences (biology, ecology, geography). The PhD offers opportunities to work across archives, libraries, and collections in France, Germany, and beyond, and to collaborate with international partners.

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 position does not include mandatory teaching duties, but teaching opportunities may be available from the second year onward. Benefits include a vibrant intellectual setting, close partnerships with institutions and research initiatives in Paris, and international collaborators such as the Ernst-Haeckel-Haus (Jena) and the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, ecology, philosophy of science, or history of science, and demonstrate interest in the history and philosophy of ecology and the life sciences. Excellent command of German and English is required; knowledge of French is advantageous. Application materials 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. For candidates currently enrolled in a Master’s programme, transcripts and a letter from the thesis supervisor are required. Submit all materials as a single PDF by email to [email protected] with the subject line 'Application_PhD_Oecologie-Debates-[Your Name]'. Interviews will begin from June 15, 2026. It is strongly recommended to contact the team prior to submission to discuss your project outline.

The position is fully funded through the Horizon Europe ERC project. The research environment is stimulating, with opportunities for international exchange and scholarly collaboration. The PhD candidate will interact closely with the team, present their research, and receive feedback, contributing to the academic visibility of the project and collaborative outputs.