Organizer Information

The University of Basel’s Institute of Art History (Department of Arts, Media, Philosophy) is hosting this Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project. Led by Prof. Dr. Charlotte Matter, the Laurenz Assistant Professor of Contemporary Art, the project is situated within one of Europe’s most vibrant academic and museum landscapes. The University of Basel is committed to diversity and intersectional research, fostering a collaborative environment for scholars exploring the boundaries of art history, media, and philosophy.

Title & Description

Doctoral Fellowship at University of Basel: Modern Painting and the Lesbian Gaze (SNSF Project)

Modern Painting and the Lesbian Gaze: Queer Women Artists in Europe, 1900–1950. This research project addresses a significant gap in art history by proposing the "lesbian gaze" as a methodological provocation to decentre dominant male and heteronormative interpretive frameworks. It seeks to reposition women painters within queer art history through an intersectional lens that considers class, gender experience, and artistic subversion. The project explores how queer women negotiated or reappropriated the conventions of painting—a medium historically defined by gendered hierarchies.

Category

Art History / Queer & Feminist Studies / PhD Research.

Eligibility

  • Academic: Holders of an above-average Master’s degree in Art History or a related field.
  • Competencies: Familiarity with queer/feminist art history discourses and an interest in modern painting, queer/trans theory, and class issues.
  • Language: Proficiency in English is required for project activities. The dissertation itself may be written in German, English, or French.
  • Commitment: Willingness to engage in collaborative team activities, including reading groups and international workshops.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Salary: 100% doctoral salary following University of Basel standards for 3.5 years.
  • Support: Academic mentoring, funding for research trips, and conference attendance.
  • Environment: Access to excellent libraries and the doctoral program of eikones, Center for the Theory and History of the Image.
  • Workspace: An inspiring workplace in the heart of Basel, Switzerland.

Application Fee

There is no fee to apply.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a single PDF (in English, German, or French) containing:

  • Cover letter (1 page) and CV.
  • Copies of degree certificates.
  • Contact details for two references.
  • Project description (max. 5 pages) including a working title, research questions, state of the art, and methodological approach, plus relevant literature (max. 2 pages).
  • Writing sample (e.g., a Master’s thesis chapter, max. 20 pages).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the University of Basel’s online application portal. Emailed or postal applications will not be considered.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 20 May 2026, 23:59 pm CET.
  • Shortlist Notification: 31 May 2026.
  • Online Interviews: 10 June 2026.
  • Start Date: 1 July 2026 (or by agreement).

Location

Basel, Switzerland (University of Basel).

Additional Details

This specific call is for a second doctoral researcher to investigate one or several queer women painters working in Europe (1900–1950). Suggested case studies include artists like Jeanne Mammen, Lotte Laserstein, Gluck, Tove Jansson, or Gerda Wegener, among others. The researcher will join a team already investigating artists like Irène Zurkinden and Émilie Charmy.

Contact Information

  • Website: jobs.unibas.ch
  • Email: Prof. Dr. Charlotte Matter at charlotte.matter@unibas.ch