The Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) of the University of Bern offers a
Ph.D. Position in Latin American Studies (Three years, starting 1st of November 2011)

The position is embedded in the ProDoc Program on “The Dynamics of Transcultural Management and Governance in Latin America”, an interdisciplinary effort to contribute to the training of graduate students in Human Geography, Social Sciences and in Cultural Studies through workshops, field research, and network building. Participating scholars include Prof. Dr. Aline Helg (University of Geneva), Prof. Dr. Marc Hufty (IHEID, Geneva), PD Dr. Stephan Rist (University of Bern), Prof. Dr. Yvette Sánchez and Prof. Corinne A. Pernet, Ph.D. (University of St. Gallen).

This Ph.D. is associated with the research module “Managing Transculturality in Latin America”. The thesis will examine the dynamics of institutional transformations of indigenous territories and related management of natural resources in a transcultural perspective.

Qualifications for the position include

• Excellent MA in Latin American Studies related fields (Human, Cultural or Social Geography, Social Sciences or Cultural Studies)
• Good knowledge of Spanish and English
• Working and living experience in Latin America is an added asset

We offer:

• Participation in the graduate program “Dynamics of Transcultural Management and Governance in Latin America”, with bisemestral seminars
• Good working conditions in a multidisciplinary team of the University of Bern with frequent contacts with our partners in St. Gallen and Geneva
• PhD fellowship according to the guidelines of the SNF
• Coverage of field research and conference expenses

For further information about the position, please contact PD Dr. Stephan Rist ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Applications containing a cover letter, curriculum vitae, an abstract of the MA thesis, as well as a list of seminars attended and titles of seminar papers should be prepared in English.

Please e-mail your application as a PDF file to PD Dr. Stephan Rist ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) by 25^th September 2011.

Selection and interviews will take place shortly thereafter.