Postdoctoral Researcher, 60%, Basel

Social Transitions Research Group (STR), Department of Social Sciences, University of Basel

The Social Transitions Research Group (STR), led by Prof. Max Bergman, researches the dynamics of sustainable transitions at the intersection of society, governance, and technology. Through the Proof of Transition Concepts (proTract) program, the group examines real-world cases of successful sustainability transitions, focusing on how public, private, and civil society actors generate socially and ecologically positive outcomes. The aim is to produce theoretically grounded, context-sensitive, and actionable research.

STR combines this substantive focus with work in methodological development, particularly in qualitative and mixed methods research, case study research, transdisciplinary designs, and real-world labs. The group is embedded in a European research network and contributes to collaborative sustainability research within Eucor, The European Campus. The successful candidate will contribute to sustainability research and activities within Eucor, a trinational alliance of five universities in the Upper Rhine region at the border of Germany, France, and Switzerland. Its members are the Universities of Basel, Freiburg, Haute-Alsace, and Strasbourg, as well as the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher from 1 August 2026. The position is limited to 6 years (2 + 4 years).

Responsibilities

Collaborate on research projects, project development, and publications;

Teach one course per semester (2 hours per week);

Contribute to research methods training and research in participatory approaches, with a focus on transdisciplinary research, real-world labs, or similar;

Engage with students and administration;

Contribute to collaborative sustainability research and activities within the Eucor network, including joint projects, teaching initiatives, and academic exchanges across the five member universities;

Contribute to the STR's academic culture and identity.

Qualifications

A completed doctorate in sociology, sustainability studies, or STS (with a focus on the social sciences); outstanding candidates at the very end of their doctorate may also be considered;

Theoretical and/or empirical interests relating to sustainability, social change, and innovation;

Experience or interest in participatory research methods, especially transdisciplinary research, real-world labs, or similar;

International research experience, ideally in a European context;

Familiarity with or interest in cross-border, multilingual research environments;

Excellent language skills in English

AND

either German or French (speaking and writing).

Benefits

Membership in a dynamic and productive research team;

Opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge;

An active national and international research network;

A well-equipped and pleasant workplace in the center of Basel;

Generous remuneration according to the University of Basel pay scale.

Application / Contact Submit your application, including a cover letter stating your main research interests and experiences, CV with references, and two writing samples, using the recruiting online tool of Basel University. For more information, please contact Prof. Max Bergman at . Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

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