To respond to the accelerated social change in the world, the University of Basel, Switzerland's oldest university, has founded a new research centre and platform for interdisciplinary dialogue: the Forum Basiliense. The forum aims to foster exchange and collaboration between scholars of the humanities and social sciences, life sciences and the natural sciences. The question of “freedom” is at the centre of the initial phase of our forum and the intellectual focus for our first group of international fellows.

Freedom is one of the central concepts of the Enlightenment, one of the core themes of modern societies. The individual in Western societies is freer than ever before, but we witness increasing disagreement about what we mean when we talk about freedom. In times of great changes and challenges - such as advances in artificial intelligence, new work and family models, or climate change - what does freedom mean, how is it challenged and what role does science play in it? We encourage applications with a focus on this theme in any of the disciplines represented at the University of Basel.

We invite fellows for 3-6 months visits during 2024, preferably during the spring or the autumn term. Fellows are expected to participate in events and scientific exchange (i.e. regular colloquium) during their stay.

We offer

The Forum Basiliense offers a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative platform. We strive for an inclusive, supportive, and enthusiastic work environment that values a team of fellows with diverse interests and personal backgrounds. Basel is a medium-size city with a very international spirit. It is located at the tri-national border of Switzerland, Germany and France. Basel stands out for its high quality of life, multilingual inhabitants and a rich cultural environment. The fellowships offer an exciting opportunity for highly motivated and proficient PostDoctoral scholars to contribute to a vibrant research community, expand their network and advance their own projects. As a fellow, you will be part of our lively and active research environment at the University of Basel and take part in events for scientific exchange organized by the Forum Basiliense.

The fellowship grant offers CHF 5000.- per month for the duration of your stay in Basel, travel costs, an office space, subsidized accommodation at the University guest house, and other benefits.

Your Profile

You hold an excellent PhD or a junior professorship in any of the disciplines represented at the University of Basel. Fellowships are awarded based on scientific merit, the quality of the application and how the application speaks to the theme of "freedom". We welcome applications from all over the world.

To apply

Please send your application incl. the following documents:

• Project proposal (3-5 pages max.) describing what you plan to accomplish during your fellowship. Please indicate your contribution to debates around "freedom" and include during which time period you would prefer to stay in Basel (3-6 months).

• CV incl. publication list

• 2 reference letters

We look forward to receiving your completed application by 31. July 2023 via the University's online application portal.

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Julia Büchele (j.buechele@unibas.ch)