Two Open PhD Positions in Environmental Humanities - Exploring Biodiversity Narratives 80% auprès du Environmental Sciences and Humanities Institute
Université de Fribourg
Fribourg
Key information
- Publication date:28 January 2026
- Workload:80%
- Contract type:Permanent position
- Place of work:Fribourg
Job summary
Explore two PhD positions at the Environmental Sciences and Humanities Institute, focusing on biodiversity narratives. Join a vibrant research community in Switzerland!
Tasks
- Analyze existing narratives about biodiversity in various contexts.
- Examine how biodiversity values are justified across disciplines.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary research on cultural perceptions of biodiversity.
Skills
- Open to candidates with relevant backgrounds in humanities or social sciences.
- Strong analytical skills in literary and cultural studies.
- Proficiency in English and experience in interdisciplinary research.
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80% auprès du Environmental Sciences and Humanities Institute
Particularité
We invite applications for two interdisciplinary PhD positions in the environmental humanities at the intersection of literary and cultural studies, the social sciences, and biodiversity communication.
The two PhD positions are part of a larger research project on the cultural perception of biodiversity, focusing specifically on biodiversity narratives. The project systematically examines how biodiversity is represented, narrated, and justified across science, politics, and culture – particularly in literature. At its core, the project investigates how biodiversity acquires value through narratives – not only in instrumental or ethical terms, but also through aesthetic and affective dimensions. Insights gained from this analysis will be used to inform future approaches to biodiversity communication. The focus is on the German-speaking world and Switzerland.
Both dissertations will analyze existing narratives and discourses about biodiversity in different societal contexts. One PhD project (PhD 1) will focus on representations of biodiversity, the other (PhD 2) on the justification of biodiversity values and biodiversity conservation.
The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and led by Prof. Dr. Claudia Keller, a cultural and literary scholar based at the Environmental Sciences and Humanities Institute (UniFR_ESH) at the University of Fribourg. This highly interdisciplinary institute coordinates and promotes research and teaching in environmental and sustainability studies, providing a unique space for reflection and dialogue on these issues in Switzerland.
Domaine d'activité
PhD 1: Biodiversity Representation
Objectives and tasks:
The PhD project (monograph or cumulative dissertation) will include the following tasks:
PhD 2: Biodiversity Justification
Objectives and tasks:
The PhD project (monograph or cumulative dissertation) will include the following tasks:
Exigences
Exigences linguistiques
autre: English
Date d'entrée en fonction:
- 01.06.2026
Renseignements:
Claudia Keller
E-Mail schreiben
Date limite de réception des offres:
13.03.2026
Adresse d'envoi:
E-Mail schreiben
