PhD Researcher

The Department of History , University of Zürich invites an application for a

PhD Researcher

The Department of History of the University of Zurich, Switzerland, is one of the leading history departments in continental Europe (fifteen chairs). It is home to about 150 scholars who teach and do research as well as to almost 2000 students (BA, MA, PhD).

The successful applicant will join the Swiss National Science Foundation-PRIMA research group “Rice Knowledge and Practices between Pacific Asia and West Africa: International Development meets local farming (1960-1991)” led by Prof. Dr. Yi-Tang Lin.

Examining rice knowledge and practices between East Asia and West Africa through qualitative and quantitative historical methods, the core project seeks to open a new window on Asian–African solidarity during Cold War by going beyond diplomacy and concentrating on knowledge and practices generated and held on the ground. It will also contribute to the history of colonialism by linking the post-colonial period in the aftermaths of the British, French, and Japanese empires, and US postwar imperialism as expressed through foreign aid policies in Africa.

Applicants are expected to propose a PhD project within the broad theme of Japan’s foreign aid agencies’ activities outside South-East Asia. The successful applicant will design and conduct her/his own PhD research under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Yi-Tang Lin, SNSF-PRIMA professor, and Prof. Dr. Dusinberre, the Chair for Global History. She/he will also contribute to the collaborative aspect of the project, including academic and public outreach activities, online content curation, and the possibility of co-authored publications. There is a possibility to teach if the appointee prefers (with supplemental compensation).

Essential qualifications and experience:
• Excellent working knowledge of Japanese and English (to research level)
• Outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate training (MA awarded when the appointment begins)
• Excellent research and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a research group
• Commitment to participate in academic and public outreach activities

Desirable experience:
• Interests and/or experiences in quantitative methods in history
• Other research-relevant linguistic skills will be a plus

Applicants should email Yi-Tang Lin (yi-tang.lin@unige.ch) the following documents as a single PDF file:
• Cover Letter (in English)
• Curriculum Vitae (in English)
• Certificates of Higher Education (BA and MA academic transcripts or equivalents)
• A 1,000-word summary of proposed PhD topic (in English)
• A 4,000–6,000 word writing sample (in English)

This position offers attractive working conditions, including dedicated office space, an annual research allowance, a research IT specialist’s support and excellent UZH research resources.
Salary according to the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

The application deadline is 17:00 (CET), March 5, 2023.

Place of work
Rämistrasse 64, CH-8001 Zürich

Start of employment
August 1, 2023 (negotiable) for a maximum of 4 years

Further information
Prof. Dr. Yi-Tang Lin (yi-tang.lin@unige.ch)

E-Mail address where the application has to be sent to
Prof. Dr. Yi-Tang Lin (yi-tang.lin@unige.ch)