PhD Position in Global History

Overview

The Professorship for the History of the Modern World at D-GESS (Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences), ETH Zurich is offering a fully funded, full-time PhD opportunity in Global History, commencing on 1 July 2025, or at the earliest convenience of the selected candidate.

Project Background

This position is part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) research project titled "Engineering Empires from the Margins: Global Techno-Colonialism and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, c. 1860-1980." The project is led by Prof. Dr. Harald Fischer-Tiné and coordinated by Dr. Monique Ligtenberg. The focus of the PhD project will specifically examine the (post)colonial context and shifts within the field of geology, informed by the lives and careers of ETH professors Albert Heim and his son, petroleum geologist Arnold Heim.

Role Responsibilities

As a PhD researcher, you will:

• Present your research at national and international academic conferences.
• Complete and defend a PhD thesis.
• Write and submit two peer-reviewed scholarly articles or book chapters during the project duration.
• Contribute to public history initiatives, such as blog posts and database creation, associated with the Engineering Empire project.
• Collaborate closely with Prof. Fischer-Tiné and the team of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers within the History of the Modern World group, including support for tasks like organizing events and marking exams.
• Earn at least four credits through coursework at ETH during the initial two years of your doctoral study, totaling twelve credits over the four years.

While flexible work arrangements (including partial remote work) are possible, regular presence at the ETH Zurich office (2-3 days per week) is expected.

Candidate Profile

We seek a highly motivated and inquisitive early-career researcher possessing the following qualifications:

• A completed MA or MPhil in History or a related discipline by the start of the contract.
• Proven expertise in one or more fields including:
• Global History (19th-20th century)
• History of Science and/or Knowledge
• Environmental History
• Commodity History
• Area Studies
• Other relevant subfields
• Advanced proficiency in English (spoken and written).
• Ability to read and analyze archival materials in German.
• Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the project (e.g., Bahasa Indonesia, Spanish) is a strong asset.

We are dedicated to promoting diversity and encourage applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups in academia.

Working Environment

ETH Zurich is recognized as a family-friendly employer that offers excellent working conditions. Here is what you can look forward to:

• Funding for research travel to relevant archives in Switzerland, Indonesia, the USA, and the Netherlands.
• Coverage of conference and workshop travel expenses.
• A dynamic, supportive, and international research environment.
• Access to ETH Zurich’s outstanding infrastructure and academic networks.
• A competitive salary in accordance with ETH Zurich regulations.
• Excellent work-life balance at one of the world’s top research universities, situated in the heart of Europe.

Commitment to Diversity

ETH Zurich emphasizes an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and nurturing a working environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected.

Curiosity Welcome

We invite you to consider this unique opportunity to contribute to a project that aims to reshape the understanding of global history through innovative research approaches.