Post-doctoral position in the history of global maternal …, Geneva

Post‑doctoral position in the history of global maternal health (F/M/D) The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is recruiting a post‑doctoral position in the history of global maternal health.

Presentation of the Institute The Geneva Graduate Institute, founded in 1927, is a world‑renowned centre of excellence for the study of international relations and development. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the Institute offers a stimulating, multicultural and interdisciplinary academic environment. It offers masters and doctoral programmes, and conducts cutting‑edge research onmajor global challenges.

Introduction of the project Applications are invited for a post‑doctoral position with the project “Global Maternity: The Politics of Knowledge Production at the World Health Organization, 1948‑2008,” funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and hosted at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. ThePost‑Doc (PD) will work with the Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Nicole Bourbonnais and Project Partner (PP) Dr. Ogechukwu Williams to explore how knowledge and expertise flowed into and out of the WHO, the tensions contained in the global governance of maternity, and the role of mothers themselves in responding to/intervening in these processes.

Project Pillars

Pillar 1: an overarching history of the WHO’s work on maternity during its first 60 years (conducted by the PI).

Pillar 2: 4 micro‑historical case studies focusing on the fields of death (the production of maternal mortality statistics), birth (the evolution of pregnancy and childbirth guidance), breast (the regulation of infant feeding) and mind (the visibility/invisibility of maternal mental health) (PI, PP, and PD).

Pillar 3: public and policy‑facing work aimed at inserting the project findings into contemporary discussions of motherhood, global health, and international organisations more broadly (PI, PP and PD).

Key responsibilities

Conduct and publish original research on 2 of the 4 micro‑historical case studies, focusing on birth (pregnancy and childbirth) and mind (maternal mental health). The PD will develop specific subjects and sites that are relevant to the WHO’s work and complement the regional expertise of the PI and PP. Academic outputs will include 3 solo‑authored journal articles (one on each of the 2 case studies and one reflecting on the use of micro‑history from a methodological perspective), as well as a co‑authored introduction to an edited volume.

Take the lead on Pillar 3 (policy and public‑facing work). This includes organising three events: a project launch event in Year 1, a 2‑day research‑policy workshop in Year 3, and a final public event in Year 4 presenting the project results. The PD will also lead a 4‑part podcast series covering the four case studies (death, birth, breast and mind, 1 hour each), released in Year 4.

Qualifications

A doctoral degree in history or a related field, in hand by the agreed start date (ideally Sept 1 2026).

Experience conducting archival and/or oral history research.

Excellent knowledge of English and any other languages needed for the proposed sites of archival/field research.

Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

Assets (Optional) Past research on the history of global health, the history of reproduction/motherhood, the history of international organisations, and/or micro‑history; theoretical knowledge of reproduction, motherhood, governance, and health from an interdisciplinary perspective; previous experience organising events and working with policymakers/the public; previous experience in podcasting or other creative mediums.

What we offer Working with a large international community of users from diverse backgrounds; interesting job with varied tasks; good atmosphere in a human‑sized team, at the heart of International Geneva.

Equal Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability status, race, national origin, colour, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

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