The Hans Sigrist Foundation Doctoral Fellowship lies in the field of "Women and Precarity: Historical Perspectives" and is intended to support the authoring of a dissertation at the History Department of the University of Bern. The successful candidate will complete their dissertation in the field of history, at the intersection of Social Welfare Policy, Labor Market Policy, and Gender Policy. The dissertation should address aspects of the historical roots of the precarity of women in the labor market and their greater vulnerability regarding social welfare, with a focus on Switzerland in the second half of the 20th century.
Applicants must have completed their Masters or Lizenziat/Licence studies in the field of history. In addition, knowledge of the History of Social Welfare and of Gender Studies is desirable and knowledge of Swiss History is also an advantage. The dissertation topic can be determined in consultation with the supervisor. Please include a one-page outline of a dissertation project in your application materials. The dissertation can be written in German, French, or English.

Applications will be accepted in electronic format only and should be sent via e-mail (single attachment) to: therese.dudan@hist.unibe.ch, with the subject line, “Hans Sigrist Fellowship, Women
& Precarity: Historical Perspectives”.

Applicants should include a cover letter explaining their motivation for applying for the position; scans of diplomas and transcripts with grades; a list of potential references (specifying your relationship with each person on the list); one letter of recommendation from the supervisor of your Master's/Lizenziat thesis; and a one-page (maximum) outline of the proposed dissertation project. Application materials can be written in German, English, or French.

We offer:
-The opportunity to write a dissertation under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Brigitte Studer, Professor for Contemporary History

-The chance to work in a team that studies, in a variety of ways, social welfare policy and social movements

-The possibility to apply for admission to the Graduate School at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies (IZFG)

-A competitive doctoral fellowship salary for two years, with the possibility to apply for another year with another foundation.