The University of Basel, located in Basel, is the oldest university in Switzerland and one of Europe’s leading research institutions. Renowned for excellence in life sciences, medicine, environmental studies, digital technologies, and humanities, the university maintains strong collaborations with hospitals, research institutes, and international partners. With interdisciplinary research centers and substantial support from organizations such as the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), the university offers an outstanding environment for doctoral training and scientific innovation.
Available PhD Opportunities by Field
01. Doctoral Position in European Global Studies / Global History
This position focuses on European history from a global perspective, with particular emphasis on environmental history, empire studies, human–nature relations, and knowledge history. The project examines Europe within broader global transformations during the 18th–20th centuries while integrating interdisciplinary perspectives through research, teaching, and academic events.
Why apply?
This doctoral position is particularly suitable for students interested in careers in academia, historical research institutes, cultural organizations, and policy-oriented research. The interdisciplinary setting provides experience not only in research but also in teaching, conference organization, public engagement, and academic administration. Candidates interested in environmental humanities and global perspectives will gain expertise that is increasingly relevant in sustainability and policy discussions.
02. PhD Position in Physiological Tree Ecology
This SNSF-funded project investigates how low temperatures influence tree physiology and distribution limits under climate change scenarios. The research combines greenhouse experiments, stable isotope techniques, sap flow measurements, and alpine fieldwork in the Swiss Alps.
Why apply?
This project offers excellent preparation for careers in climate science, forest ecology, environmental modeling, and sustainability research. Candidates will gain expertise in plant ecophysiology, field measurements, statistical analysis using R, and climate adaptation studies. The collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) further expands research networks and career opportunities.
03. PhD Position: Environmental Plasticity of Hippocampal Information Processing
This project investigates how environmental enrichment and deprivation affect hippocampal function, cognition, and memory using advanced neuroscience techniques including miniscope calcium imaging, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and electrophysiology.
Why apply?
The project provides exceptional training in modern neuroscience methods and is ideal for candidates aiming for careers in cognitive neuroscience, neurodegenerative disease research, or translational medicine. Experience with cutting-edge imaging and neural circuit analysis also creates opportunities in academia, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical research.
04. PhD Position in Physics-Inspired AI for Drug Design
This fully funded project combines deep learning, statistical mechanics, computational chemistry, and molecular modeling to develop next-generation AI frameworks for drug discovery. The research aims to integrate physicochemical principles directly into neural network architectures for protein–ligand modeling.
Why apply?
This interdisciplinary project is highly attractive for candidates with backgrounds in physics, computational chemistry, or computer science. Graduates may pursue careers in pharmaceutical industries, AI-driven biotech companies, computational drug discovery, and academic research. The integration of AI with physical modeling represents a rapidly growing field with strong global demand.
05. PhD Position in Cancer Immunology
This project studies the role of neutrophils and innate immunity within the tumor microenvironment using murine models, human samples, and advanced single-cell multi-omics approaches.
Why apply?
Cancer immunotherapy is among the fastest-growing fields in biomedical research. Candidates will gain experience in immunology, genomics, epigenetics, metabolism, and computational biology while contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Graduates may continue toward academic careers, pharmaceutical R&D, biotechnology, or clinical research.
06. PhD Candidate in Forensic Psychology
This SNSF-funded project investigates disclosures of abuse and intrafamilial violence made to AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and similar systems. The research integrates forensic psychology, digital behavior, legal contexts, and advanced quantitative methods.
Why apply?
This project lies at the intersection of psychology, law, and AI ethics—an emerging field with increasing societal importance. Candidates will develop expertise in statistical analysis, behavioral research, machine learning methods, and human–technology interaction. Career pathways include academia, forensic practice, policy development, digital ethics, and psychological services.
Why PhD at University of Basel?
The University of Basel is internationally recognized for excellence in life sciences, medicine, environmental sciences, and interdisciplinary research. Its collaborations with hospitals and research institutes provide strong translational opportunities.
Many projects combine multiple fields, such as AI with drug design, neuroscience with behavior, or environmental science with climate research. This interdisciplinary training strengthens both academic and industrial employability.
Living in Basel offers:
- International research ecosystem
- Excellent public services and infrastructure
- Strong scientific and pharmaceutical industry presence
- High standard of living and work-life balance