Postdoctoral Researcher in History

Workplace: Brig, partial remote work possible | Start date: December 1, 2025 or by arrangement | Contract duration: 3 years (1 year 80% and 2 years 100%), with the possibility of extension for another two years

FernUni Switzerland, located on a modern university campus in Brig, is an accredited university institute under the HFKG (Higher Education Promotion and Coordination Act) that has been offering bachelor, master, and continuing education programs in the faculties of Economics, History, Law, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Psychology for over 30 years. These programs are designed to be completed alongside family life, a professional or sports career thanks to a flexible distance learning model.

FernUni Switzerland adheres to the highest quality standards in university teaching and research. The university institute aims for reaccreditation as the "University of Valais" in 2027, marking a historic milestone for the institution and the canton.

With nearly 2,400 students, FernUni Switzerland is a leader in distance learning in Switzerland. The university institute employs more than 500 staff from Switzerland and abroad, over 450 of whom are active in teaching and research and recognized experts in their respective disciplines.

At the Chair of Modern and Contemporary History of Bernhard C. Schär, we are looking for a committed individual starting December 1, 2025 or by arrangement as

Postdoctoral Researcher in History (80%-100%)

Workplace: Brig, partial remote work possible Start date: December 1, 2025 or by arrangement Contract duration: 3 years (1 year 80% and 2 years 100%), with the possibility of extension for another two years

Your tasks

Support the chair in developing two research projects in the field of global history of knowledge related to the canton of Valais and Switzerland (19th and 20th centuries)

Develop and conduct an independent research project in one of the chair's areas: global history of Europe or Switzerland, global history of science or knowledge, global social and gender history; history of missions, colonial history

Co-organize and participate in (international) workshops, symposia, and conferences

Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals

Contribute to teaching and "Public History"

Actively participate in the intellectual life of the Faculty of History at FernUni Switzerland.

Your profile

You hold an excellent doctorate in history or a related field (at the time of starting the position).

You are a team player, proactive, and motivated to engage in the national and international profiling of a new chair at a young university

You specialize in one or more of the above-mentioned research areas of the chair and are motivated to further develop your research profile in these areas

You have experience in archival work in several European languages; experience in non-European archives is an advantage

Experience in Digital History and Public History is welcome

You are a native German or French speaker or have C2 level in one of these languages and at least B2 in the other. Your English skills allow you to contribute orally and in writing to international academic debates. Additional language skills, especially non-European languages, are welcome.

We offer

To become part of an international research group on "Moral and Economic Entrepreneurship. A collaborative History of Global Switzerland".

The opportunity to actively shape the national and international profile of the chair.

The chance to build your own profile through an independent project and publications in a stimulating, multilingual academic environment.

Participation in and shaping of Public History activities in Valais and beyond

Employment at a dynamically developing institution

Flexible working conditions and the possibility of part-time home office.

Application

Please send a motivation letter, CV, copies of master’s and doctoral diplomas, and the names of two referees. We also ask for a published text or a completed manuscript (article or dissertation chapter) that best represents your research. Additionally, please submit a brief outline of a possible postdoc project (maximum 2 pages).

We look forward to receiving your complete application as a PDF by email no later than October 26, 2025, to: Human Resources: jobs@fernuni.ch

Applications from persons residing in Switzerland or considering future residence in Switzerland will be considered.

For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Bernhard C. Schär by email: bernhard.schaer@fernuni.ch

More news

Lecturer for the module "M13 Methods V: Research Methods and Statistics III"