PhD Position in Environmental and Agricultural History: The Spread of Fertilizers in Turkey (1930s–1960s) University of Basel in Switzerland

The University of Basel’s Europainstitut / Institute for European Global Studies invites applications for 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 project, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg, investigates the global history of synthetic fertilizer adoption and its transformative impact on agriculture, yields, and environmental sustainability.

The successful candidate will focus on the Turkey case study, entitled “Agents of trust: The spread of fertilizers in Turkey 1930s–1960s.” This sub-project explores how chemical fertilizers became a strategic issue in twentieth-century Turkey, examining the interplay between farming communities, international experts, the state, and foreign (mainly German) fertilizer producers. Key research themes include the nationalization of chemical fertilizers, strategic interests of various groups, and the reappropriation of soil knowledge by farmers’ associations in the late 1960s.

As a doctoral researcher, you will conduct independent archival and oral history research in Turkey, write and complete your dissertation within the funding period, publish at least one peer-reviewed article or book chapter, and present your findings at international conferences. You will also contribute to the project’s collaborative goals, assist with administrative and communication tasks, and help organize conferences and manage web content. The position is based at the Europainstitut/Institute for European Global Studies, with affiliation to the Basel Graduate School of History, and offers a stimulating, international research environment.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold an MA degree (or equivalent) in History or a related discipline. Fluency in English is required, and good knowledge of Turkish is essential; reading competence in late Ottoman Turkish, German, and French is preferred. Experience in archival research and a strong understanding of Turkish history are necessary. Candidates should be collegial, open-minded, able to work independently, and possess strong organizational skills. Proficiency in MS Office and willingness to reside in Basel for the duration of the contract are required.

Funding: The position is fully funded for four years (1 plus 3 years), with employment conditions following University of Basel and Swiss National Science Foundation regulations. The role offers attractive employment conditions and ongoing support within a collaborative team.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the University of Basel job portal by December 8th, 2025. Required documents include a letter of motivation, CV, list of publications, diplomas/MA certificates, a scientific writing sample (max. 10 pages), and contact details for two referees. Interviews are expected to be held via videocall on January 8/9, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Corey Ross ([email protected]) or Prof. Dr. Heinrich Hartmann ([email protected]).

For more details, visit the Department of History and the Institute for European Global Studies at the University of Basel. Additional project vacancies and related positions are listed on the University of Basel job portal.