PhD Fellow (100%)

To implement an innovative, multi-year research project, swisspeace is looking for:

1 PhD Fellow (100%)

Starting date: 1 September 2025 (or by agreement)

The successful candidate will join swisspeace and complete a PhD in political science at the University of Basel as part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project “From Pixels to Peace: The Role of Visual Communication in Conflict Transformation.” Professor Laurent Goetschel and Isabel Prinzing at swisspeace/University of Basel, Professor Katharina Lobinger at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), and Professor Cornelia Brantner at Karlstad University in Sweden coordinate the project.

Our research project examines the role of visual communication in peacebuilding. In particular, it analyzes visual representations of peace in contexts where peace is partial, fragile, and continually negotiated. As a case study, we will work on the context of Colombia. We focus on how peace can be visually conveyed in a more nuanced manner, building on the concepts of “everyday peace” and the “local turn” in peacebuilding.

Its interdisciplinary research design links visual communication research with peace and conflict studies. We further aim to translate scientific findings into practical guidance for NGOs, media professionals, and policymakers.

• Developing and conducting high-quality research on the topic mentioned above with a particular focus on “everyday peace” and related concepts
• Completion of the required doctoral courses and credits for a PhD at the University of Basel, and participation in the Graduate School of Social Sciences as well as the International Graduate School North-South doctoral programs
• Completion of a high-quality doctoral dissertation as well as additional research outputs
• Conducting rigorous fieldwork in Colombia 
• Collaborating closely with the project team based at swisspeace, Karlstad University, and USI, e.g., with a second PhD fellow based at USI
• Participation in international conferences
• Contributing to the organization and coordination of research dissemination events
• Contributing to other activities related to the research project and the team

• Master’s degree in social sciences (preferably political science, international relations, peace and conflict studies, or a related discipline)
• Fulfilment of the requirements for a doctorate at the University of Basel (see here)
• High interest in visual and political communication, qualitative research, peace studies, and visual methods
• Expertise or interest in conducting field research and using qualitative and creative research methodologies 
• Excellent English language skills, particularly in writing; further languages are considered an asset
• Familiarity with the context of Colombia, including respective language skills
• Interest in collaborating with an interdisciplinary research team and actively contributing to an environment where researchers and practitioners interact and benefit from synergies

Our offer:

• Entirely funded, 4-year PhD position in a vibrant context that combines academic research with exposure to the spheres of policy and practice, with a yearly salary in line with the regulations of the SNSF and the University of Basel
• A unique opportunity to contribute to an innovative research project that bridges diverse disciplines, and to benefit from the co-supervision of three renowned experts 
• A positive working atmosphere in both a lively and international institution, as well as within the dynamic project team
• Excellent working conditions, flexible office hours, and an attractive workplace in the heart of Basel

In your application, please include the following documents as PDF files (in English):

• Cover letter, including a ½ -page summary of your primary research interests around “everyday peace” and related concepts, visual peace communication, and/or participatory methods, as well as your overall fit to the project and team 
• Complete CV with names of 2 referees
• Copies of relevant diplomas that prove your eligibility for doctoral studies at the University of Basel
• Sample written academic work on a relevant topic (MA thesis, seminar paper, or published article, ideally in English, alternatively in German, French, Spanish, or Italian)

We look forward to receiving your application by 30 May 2025. Please submit your application through our online portal. Other means of application will not be accepted.
For further information, please consult our website www.swisspeace.ch or contact us via +41 61 551 56 26.