PhD Position in Environmental and Agricultural History: Synthetic Fertilizers in South Africa (c. 1900–1990) University of Basel in Switzerland

The Department of History and the Europainstitut / Institute for European Global Studies at the University of Basel, Switzerland, are offering a fully funded, four-year PhD position as part of the Swiss National Research Foundation project “Feeding the Earth: Synthetic Fertilizers and the Remaking of Agriculture in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries.” This international collaboration involves the University of Basel, the University of Birmingham, and Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg, and investigates the global history of synthetic fertilizer adoption and its transformative impact on agriculture.

The successful candidate will focus on the South African case study, entitled “Synthetic fertilizers, contestations and alternatives in South Africa, c. 1900 to 1990.” This sub-project examines the uneven spread of synthetic fertilizers during the segregation and apartheid periods, exploring how agricultural modernization intersected with racial, class, and gendered politics. Key research themes include the promotion and communication of fertilizer use, economic and environmental controversies, and the roles of state, corporate actors, and farmers in shaping agricultural practices.

Responsibilities include conducting independent archival and oral history research in South Africa, completing a dissertation within the funding period, publishing at least one peer-reviewed article or book chapter, presenting findings at international conferences, and actively contributing to the project’s overall research goals. Additional duties involve supporting administrative tasks, conference organization, communication, and webpage content management.

Applicants must hold an MA degree (or equivalent) in History or a related discipline and be fluent in English. Preference is given to candidates with proficiency in Afrikaans, Xhosa, or another South African language. Essential qualifications include experience in archival research and a strong understanding of South African history. Candidates should demonstrate collegiality, independence, organizational talent, and proficiency in MS Office. Flexibility to travel and residence in Basel for the duration of the contract are required.

The position is fully funded for four years (1 plus 3) by the Swiss National Research Foundation. The anticipated start date is June 1st, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the University of Basel job portal. This call is specifically for the South Africa case study; a separate call exists for the Turkey case study.