PhD Candidate in the SNSF Project "Sounding Out Colonial Innocence" (80 - 100 %)

About the job

• PhD within the framework of the SNSF project "Sounding Out Colonial Innocence"
• The project examines the impact of Swiss "colonialism without colonies" on Switzerland's self-image as well as on the production and perception of sound, developing new perspectives on Swiss sound culture
• Develop and conduct an independent subproject on postcolonial listening in Switzerland, carry out research using archival, ethnographic and artistic methods, publish research results and write a dissertation
• Participate in the public series of sound-artistic presentations as well as in other mediation activities of the project and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and in the project-related edited volume

• Master's degree in music, sound, cultural or social sciences or related disciplines as well as fulfilment of the admission requirements for the PhD at the Institute of Social Anthropology at the University of Bern
• Interest in post- and decolonial as well as critical race theories and their application to the Swiss context. Prior knowledge of the local context is expressly welcome.
• Experience in sound and music practice, knowledge of relevant research fields and a reliable, cooperative working style are advantageous
• Excellent English skills as well as very good language skills in German, French or Italian and willingness to work on site in Bern
• The application documents must include a research outline (max. 3 pages), diplomas as well as a writing sample (max. 25 pages) and/or a portfolio of artistic works. Interviews will take place on 22 December 2026 in Bern.

• An almost unbelievably wide variety of topics and a brilliant mix of research and teaching.
• Lived and openly designed transdisciplinarity, plus a unique mix of research and teaching.
• Curiosity is required, and not sparingly. And a lot of independence and personal responsibility.
• A corporate culture that fosters diversity, artistic openness and the transitions between disciplines, attitudes and traditions.