Postdoctoral Fellowship in Urban Studies

About Urban Studies in Basel
Urban Studies at the University of Basel is rooted in disciplinary approaches of architecture, geography, anthropology, social and political theory, and history, and oriented towards global Southern and postcolonial questions. With a regional focus on Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, we research cities and landscapes in an expanded field of public engagement, pedagogy, and extra-university collaboration. Besides neighboring disciplines in the Department of Social Sciences our most important intellectual and institutional partner is the African Centre for Cities at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Your position

The position is part of the Professorship in Architectural History and Urban Studies (Prof. Dr. Kenny Cupers), located within Urban Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. You will pursue independent research and publications, collaborate on research and pedagogical projects, mentor Master's and doctoral students, and assist in academic administration as needed. Depending on your percentage of employment (to be negotiated between 60-80%), you will teach two or three hours per week (during the semester) in the Master in Critical Urbanisms. Your place of work is in the center of Basel. This position is for an initial period of two years, renewable for another four years after positive evaluation. The appointment is scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024.

Your profile

Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in architectural history, urban history, urban studies, or related fields. We are looking for a scholar with a strong research agenda linked to questions of epistemology and justice in the built environment. Your research should demonstrate methodological rigor, imagination, and reflexivity. A historical research focus on Africa is preferred, but consideration will be given to any specialization that aligns with and advances our current research agenda . A demonstrated ability to collaborate in research and/or teaching is desirable. Fluency in written and spoken English is required; German language proficiency is an asset.