UNIVERSITY OF BASEL
University of Basel PhD Positions in Advanced Data Management
full · phd
- 3 PhD positions (recent call)Positions offered
- ~47,000 CHF / year (est.)First-year salary
- 4 years at 100%Duration
- Polypheny-DDI projectResearch focus
- Funded by the SNSFFunding body
- Open worldwideEligibility
At a glance
full
Funding
€49k
Max amount
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
All countries (open worldwide)
Country
University of Basel
Provider
The Databases and Information Systems research group in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Basel in Switzerland recruits fully funded PhD researchers in advanced data management. A recent call opened 3 PhD positions at 100 percent for a duration of 4 years, tied to the Polypheny-DDI project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Polypheny is a multi-model database system, a polystore that integrates relational, graph and document models with several query languages for polyglot access to data stores. Salaries follow the Swiss National Science Foundation scale, starting at about 47,000 CHF (~€49,000 est.) in the first year with moderate increases in later years. Candidates need an MSc in Computer Science or a related field, software-development experience, and an interest in topics such as multi-model data management, data streams, temporal and multi-version data, or multimedia retrieval. English is required; German is welcome but not mandatory. Applications are made through the online recruiting platform with a motivation letter, CV, MSc diploma and transcript, and referee details. Because the number of positions, the exact salary and the closing arrangements change with each call, confirm the current details with the research group before applying.
What's covered
- PhD salary — A full doctoral salary on the Swiss National Science Foundation scale, starting at about 47,000 CHF (~€49,000 est.) in the first year with moderate increases in the second and third years.
- Full-time employment — A 100 percent research position for up to 4 years, structured as employment rather than a stipend, with the associated Swiss social-security coverage.
- Research environment — A funded role within the Polypheny-DDI project, giving access to the group's database systems research and the multi-model Polypheny platform.
- Supervision and training — Doctoral supervision by the Databases and Information Systems group and integration into the university's PhD framework in computer science.
- Facilities and resources — Access to the department's computing infrastructure, laboratories and library for the duration of the position.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the University of Basel online recruiting platform with the required documents.
- Check the call — Confirm the position is open and review the requirements on the Databases and Information Systems group page before applying.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble a motivation letter, a full CV, your MSc diploma and transcript, and the name of at least one referee.
- Summarise your experience — Write a concise summary of your software-development experience and include your GitHub handle if you have one.
- Apply online — Submit the complete application through the online recruiting platform indicated by the research group.
- Follow up if needed — For questions, contact the supervising professor at the address listed in the official call before the positions are filled.
Eligibility
QualificationAn MSc in Computer Science or a related discipline, together with experience in software development.
Research interestA demonstrated interest in pursuing a PhD in areas such as multi-model data management, data streams, temporal and multi-version data, or multimedia data management and retrieval.
Technical expertiseTheoretical or practical expertise in at least one of databases, multimedia data management, or information retrieval.
LanguageProficiency in English is mandatory; German is welcome but not required.
TeamworkAbility to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented research environment.
These are employment-based PhD positions; admission to the doctoral programme follows the University of Basel's standard PhD regulations.
Eligible countries
All countries (open worldwide)
Deadlines
2026 PhD intake (rolling)~31 March 2026 (est.)
Selection
Candidates are assessed on academic record, the strength of their software-development and research background, and fit with the Polypheny-DDI project's topics. The research group reviews applications on a rolling basis and may interview shortlisted candidates before making offers until all positions are filled.
Verified sources
- University of Basel - Databases and Information Systems groupdmi.unibas.chofficial
About the provider
The University of Basel, founded in 1460, is the oldest university in Switzerland, with seven faculties spanning the humanities, sciences, law and medicine. Its Department of Mathematics and Computer Science hosts the Databases and Information Systems group, which leads research on multi-model and polystore database systems.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for these PhD positions?
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Candidates worldwide who hold an MSc in Computer Science or a related field with software-development experience and an interest in advanced data management research.
How many positions are available?
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A recent call opened 3 fully funded PhD positions; confirm the current number with the research group.
How much is the salary?
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The first-year salary is about 47,000 CHF (~€49,000 est.) on the Swiss National Science Foundation scale, with moderate increases in later years.
How long do the positions last?
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Each position is a 100 percent role for up to 4 years.
What is the research focus?
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The positions are tied to the Polypheny-DDI project, building the multi-model Polypheny database system funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Do I need to speak German?
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No. English proficiency is mandatory; German is welcome but not required.
What documents do I need?
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A motivation letter, CV, your MSc diploma and transcript, at least one referee, and a summary of your software-development experience.
Is this a stipend or a salaried role?
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It is a salaried, employment-based PhD position with full Swiss social-security coverage rather than a stipend.
When can I start?
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The positions allow immediate occupancy and remain open until filled, so the start date is by agreement.
Where do I apply?
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Through the University of Basel online recruiting platform linked from the Databases and Information Systems group page.
Can I ask questions before applying?
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Yes. You can contact the supervising professor at the email address given in the official call for inquiries.
Where do I confirm the official details?
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On the University of Basel Databases and Information Systems research group page, which publishes the current openings and requirements.