Bern University of Applied Sciences 
Bern, Switzerland Offer Summary
Bern University of Applied Sciences invites applications for a PhD position within the SNSF Project “Sounding Out Colonial Innocence.” Led by Dr. Gilles Aubry, this role investigates Swiss colonialism’s impact on self-image and sonic culture. The candidate will develop an individual research project on postcolonial listening under supervision from Prof. Dr. Michaela Schäuble and Dr. Aubry. Responsibilities include conducting archival, ethnographic, and artistic research, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to sound-art presentations, and writing a doctoral dissertation. Applicants require a Master’s degree in Music, Sound Studies, Cultural Studies, or related fields, plus admission eligibility for doctoral studies at the University of Bern. Interest in postcolonial theories, Critical Race Theory, and Swiss context is essential. Strong English skills and proficiency in German, French, or Italian are required. Interviews are scheduled for December 22, 2026, in Bern.
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Project Description
What you'll be doing here
- Led by Dr. Gilles Aubry, the project explores the impact of Swiss “colonialism without colonies” on Switzerland's self-image, as well as on the production and perception of sound, and develops new perspectives on Swiss sonic culture
- Develop and conduct an individual research project on postcolonial listening in Switzerland under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Michaela Schäuble (Bern University) and Dr. Gilles Aubry (HKB Bern), carry out research using archival, ethnographic, and artistic methods, publish research findings, and write a doctoral dissertation
- Contribute to the project's public series of sound-art presentations and other knowledge-transfer activities, and publish research results in peer-reviewed academic journals as well as in the project-related edited volume
What you'll bring with you
- Master's degree in Music, Sound Studies, Cultural Studies, Social Sciences, or a related discipline, and fulfilment of the admission requirements for doctoral studies at the Institute of Social Anthropology, University of Bern
- Interest in postcolonial and decolonial theories as well as Critical Race Theory and their application to the Swiss context. Prior knowledge of the local context is explicitly welcomed
- Experience in sound and music practice, familiarity with relevant research fields, and a reliable, collaborative way of working are considered assets.
- Excellent command of English as well as very good language skills in German, French, or Italian, and willingness to work on site in Bern
- Application documents must include a research proposal (max. 3 pages), degree certificates, a writing sample (max. 25 pages), and/or a portfolio of artistic work. Interviews will take place on 22 December 2026 in Bern
To start with, here are some of our strong points
- An almost unbelievably large variety of themes and topics and a great mix of research and teaching.
- Practised and accessible transdisciplinarity paired with a unique blend of research and teaching.
- International teaching staff that combines tradition with innovation and excellence with experiment and thus gives students individual guidance towards their own careers.
- An operating culture that fosters diversity, artistic openness and the transitions between disciplines, attitudes and traditions.
I'll be your guide through the
application procedure
Stephanie Binggeli
HR Consultant
P +41 31 848 43 49
Bern Academy of the Arts (HKB)
HKB a department of BFH, is home to the whole gamut of disciplines in art and design. We are a truly innovative university of the arts with an inspiring atmosphere all of its own and are very keen on cross-disciplinary teaching and research in music, design and art, conservation and restauration, theatre, literature and in our transdisciplinary Y Institute.
