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University of Basel

Ranked
Basel, Switzerland
120th in World University Rankings 2026
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About the University of Basel

Basic information and contact details for the University of Basel

institution

The University of Basel was founded in 1460, making it the oldest university in Switzerland and one of the oldest higher education institutions in the world.

Originally, it was made up of just four faculties - arts, jurisprudence, medicine and theology. Today, it has seven faculties covering a huge range of academic disciplines, and is academic home to tens of thousands of students, including more than 2,500 doctoral candidates.

Basel University Library, meanwhile, contains more than 8 million items. This makes it one of the largest libraries in Switzerland.

In addition to this main library, there are two more specialised collections: the University Medical Library and the University Business and Economics Library/Swiss Economics Archive.

The university has experienced mixed fortunes during its 550 year history, and at one point in the 18th century had just 60 students enrolled. Around this time, there were discussions about dissolving the university altogether.

The institution rallied, however, and in the 20th century, despite the challenges of two world wars, it grew in size and strength.

In 1997, the University of Basel opened the University of Seniors, offering higher education to older people. It followed this in 2004 by establishing the Children’s University for eight to 12-year-olds, designed to introduce these youngsters to the world of science and give them a behind-the-scenes look at a modern university.

The university campus is located in the heart of the city centre, near to the River Basel.

Notable alumni of the University of Basel include the German scientist William Theilheimer, Swiss author and psychologist Alice Miller, the founder of analytical psychology Carl Gustav Jung, and the biochemist Emil Abderhalden.

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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at the University of Basel

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
57 F : 43 M (1)
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International student percentage
32% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
11.1 (1)
student
Student total
8655 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2026

Jobs you might be interested in

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Research Assistant (Optometrist) (Clinical Co-ordinator)

QUEENS UNIVERSITY BELFAST

Queen's University Belfast

United Kingdom, Belfast

institution

Queen's University Belfast

United Kingdom, Belfast


The post holder will work as a key member of the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Facility (NICRF) team to support, coordinate and deliver high-quality clinical research, with a focus on Ophthalmology and Vision Science studies. The role involves coordinating and contributing to a portfolio of clinical trials and research studies on a day-to-day basis, working both independently and under appropriate supervision as required. The post holder will undertake agreed responsibilities within study delivery, which may include participant screening and recruitment, informed consent, clinical assessments, patient care, study management and follow-up, in accordance with study protocols and local and national regulatory, research and professional guidelines, policies and standard operating procedures. Through this role, the post holder will support the growth of the NICRF clinical trial portfolio and contribute to excellence in clinical trial delivery. The post will initially be based within the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Facility (NICRF) and will relocate to the iREACH Health building at Belfast City Hospital on its opening. About the person: The successful applicant must demonstrate the following essential criteria: Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area e.g. Optometry. Registered Optometrist (GOC Registered and appropriate professional indemnity cover). Or eligibility to be registered to fulfil the requirements of the post. Relevant experience in Optometry, post registration. Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline of research methods and techniques to work within own area. Experience taking retinal images using either fundus photography or Optical Coherence Tomography. Relevant computing skills including Microsoft Office. To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website. What we offer: Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website. Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website. If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.

Salary

£35,136 - £40,316 per annum (with an additional market supplement)

Posted

16 Feb 2026

Programme Manager

MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY

Maynooth University

Ireland, Maynooth

institution

Maynooth University

Ireland, Maynooth


Department: School of Business Vacancy ID: 039963 Closing Date: 01-Mar-2026 Maynooth University is committed to a strategy in which the primary University goals of excellent research and scholarship and outstanding education are interlinked and equally valued. The International Research on Energy Systems Integration, Education & Environment for Sustainability and Innovation Centre (IRESI), is a research centre housed in the School of Business. IRESI's research focuses on propelling sustainable energy systems into the future by helping individuals, organisations and institutions in the pursuit of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable energy landscape. We are seeking a highly experienced Programme Manager to provide strategic leadership for the RENEW project, a Research Ireland National Challenge Fund initiative currently in the final prize phase of its funding. This senior role will act as a central coordination point between the Advisory Panel, Senior Leadership, and the project’s technical and engagement teams, ensuring strong alignment between strategy, delivery, and impact. Salary Scale:  €70,034 – €90,830 p.a. pro rata at 0.9 FTE with increment Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions. Closing Date: 23:30hrs (local Irish time) on Sunday the 1st of March 2026. Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified above. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. Late applications will not be accepted. Maynooth University is an equal opportunities employer The position is subject to the Statutes of the University

Salary

€70,034 – €90,830 p.a. pro rata at 0.9 FTE with increment

Posted

17 Feb 2026

Postdoctoral Researchers in Autophagy and Metabolism

UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI

University of Helsinki

Finland, Helsingfors (Helsinki)

institution

University of Helsinki

Finland, Helsingfors (Helsinki)


The McWilliams Lab investigates physiological autophagy, a membrane-driven lysosomal degradation pathway essential for cell, circuit and tissue homeostasis. Impairments in autophagy and lysosomal function are causally linked to neurodegeneration and age-related pathology. We use integrative multiscale approaches to define the mechanistic interplay between autophagy and metabolism and determine how this relationship impacts neural integrity in health and disease. Our ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. About Us We work at the interface of discovery and translation within a well-resourced and internationally connected research environment. The PI is a Scholar of the FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence, and the lab is embedded in the Novo Nordisk Foundation EnergAge Consortium for Metabolic Aging and SWAN-Helsinki, with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and core facilities. We value scientific rigor and a collaborative working culture. The opportunity We are recruiting two Postdoctoral Researchers to advance ambitious projects that dissect the molecular logic of circuit and tissue integrity. The projects build on our recent advances in brain aging (Rappe et al., The EMBO Journal, 2024), metabolic regulation (Long et al., The EMBO Journal, 2022), and human neurological disease (Collier et al., The New England Journal of Medicine, 2021). You will work with the PI and lab members to apply newly developed tools and leverage unpublished datasets to design and execute rigorous functional studies in vitro and in vivo. In addition to developing yourself scientifically within an internationally competitive environment, you will receive regular feedback and strategic mentoring to support research excellence, professional development, and preparation for your next career stage. Your profile Recent PhD in Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry or a related discipline. A strong academic track record, and at least one recent first-author publication (accepted or in press) in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal. Demonstrated hands-on expertise in working with one of the following: Mammalian cell culture systems and discovery biology (cell biology is advantageous) Mouse models and functional in vivo profiling approaches (neurobiology is advantageous; however, training can be provided if necessary) A genuine team player who values collective success and contributes positively to the lab culture. Highly organised, methodical, and self-directed, with the capacity to advance complex projects with clarity and momentum. An open and collaborative approach to trainee development and mentorship within the team. Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments to a high technical standard, with strong data analysis and interpretation skills. Excellent communication skills and a strong command of written and spoken English. A clear intellectual interest in organelle biology and its relevance to neuroscience and biomedicine. Preferred qualifications Demonstrated competence with core molecular biology techniques (including vector design, genome-targeting strategies, and PCR-based workflows). Experience with viral delivery, transduction, functional perturbations, and rescue experiments. Experience in biochemical and/or histological profiling of cell- and tissue-specific phenotypes. Confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis expertise. Evidence of sustained productivity with technically demanding research projects. Prior experience in either modern neurobiology or organelle biochemistry would be highly desirable. What we offer The position is initially available for 18 months (with the possibility of extension), and a trial period of six months will be applied. The monthly gross starting salary will be approximately 3,700–4,000 EUR per month depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.  In addition, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development. Please read more at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers. How to Apply  Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the "Apply now" button. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button. Please send your application with following enclosures: A complete CV, including education, previous and current professional positions, publications with PMID specifiers and contact details for three referees. A motivation letter (max 1 page) demonstrating engagement with our work, and how this position aligns with your career goals. The closing date for applications is 17th of March 2026 at 23:59 EEST. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. For further information on the position, please contact Associate Professor Thomas McWilliams (thomas.mcwilliams@helsinki.fi). Lab website: www.mcwilliamslab.eu.

Salary

3,700 – 4,000 EUR per month

Posted

17 Feb 2026

Performing Arts Technician (Events)

UNIVERSITY OF SURREY

University of Surrey

United Kingdom, Guildford

institution

University of Surrey

United Kingdom, Guildford


Do you have a passion for live events and technical production? Guildford School of Acting (GSA) is seeking an experienced Events Technician to join our Technical Team within the Operations and Events Department. The Role In this hands-on role, you will support the planning and delivery of a wide range of events across GSA and the wider University. Working closely with academic staff, professional services colleagues, visiting artists, and students, you will help deliver high-quality technical solutions that support learning, performance, and public engagement. You will play a key role in delivering technical support for: School and University events, both on campus and at external venues Open days, auditions, and recruitment events Conferences, lectures, and symposia Public performances, showcases, and special events Research events and student society activities The Technical Team provides equipment support, mentoring, maintenance, and expert guidance across all activity areas. Delivering an exceptional student, staff, and visitor experience is central to everything we do. Working hours: Typically 9am–5pm, however the role requires flexibility, with hours subject to change to meet event schedules, including occasional evenings and weekends. About You You will bring professional experience providing technical support for live events, conferences, or performances, ideally within a higher-education, arts, or cultural environment. We are looking for someone who has: Strong practical knowledge of live event production, including sound, lighting, and basic AV systems Experience setting up, operating, and striking technical equipment for a variety of event types Excellent organisational, administrative, and interpersonal skills The ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and external stakeholders Confidence supporting multiple events simultaneously and managing changing priorities Experience maintaining technical equipment and contributing to safe working practices A proactive, solution-focused approach with a strong commitment to customer service Up-to-date knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and a commitment to safe, inclusive working practices Experience working in a performance or conservatoire setting, and familiarity with university events and protocols, would be advantageous. Why GSA? The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.  We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee. Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference. As part of the University of Surrey, GSA is one of the UK’s leading drama schools, offering an inspiring and collaborative working environment. In this role, your skills and passion will directly contribute to shaping the future of theatre, performance, and production. In addition to salary, you will receive a yearly incremental pay rise, generous annual leave entitlement and pension, access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes, and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery. We encourage continued professional practice through external work where possible and we have opportunities to work with both future professionals and established industry practitioners on GSA Productions. Further Information To apply, please upload a CV and covering letter to the University website. You will also be asked some brief questions to help us understand your suitability for the role. For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Sarah Sage, Theatre Technical Manager at s.sage@surrey.ac.uk Interviews will be held on campus Tuesday 31 March 2026 We are actively committed to looking for all kinds of talent to build a diverse staff team at the GSA. We understand creating and maintaining a work environment in which all social groups are represented and moreover, feel safe and respected, is something we must work at. We do not take this for granted. We see anti-racism and anti-discrimination more broadly as a life-long commitment. We are working towards removing all barriers that staff, applicants and students may experience. Steps taken include having gender-balanced and racially diverse panels, undertaking anti-racism training and unconscious bias training and considering all candidates against a clear, realistic and well-defined person specification. We would particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from the Global majority, people with disabilities and those identifying as female, non-binary or trans. Further details Job Description

Salary

£32,080 to £35,608 per annum

Posted

17 Feb 2026

Personal Assistant

MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY

Maynooth University

Ireland, Maynooth

institution

Maynooth University

Ireland, Maynooth


Department: Office of Bursar, Secretary and COO Vacancy ID: 040064 Closing Date: 01-Mar-2026 Maynooth University is committed to a strategy in which the primary University goals of excellent research and scholarship and outstanding education are interlinked and equally valued. The Chief Operations Officer, Bursar and University Secretary (“the COO”) is responsible for a number of key administrative areas within the University including Finance, Governance, Information Technology, Estates, Human Resources, Mediation Services and Pensions as well as having key responsibility for many cross functional University change projects. The Office is seeking to appoint an Administrative Officer to oversee the administration of a broad range of activities associated with a high volume and high profile office. The successful candidate will act as Personal Assistant to the COO and report directly to them. The successful candidate will also lead and manage the Department’s administration and play an essential part in the governance of the Operations Executive which consists of the COO and all of their direct reports. The Administrative Officer acts as secretary of the Operations Executive meeting. Salary: Administrative Officer II: €46,418– €65,806 p.a. (9 points) Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions. Closing Date: 23:30hrs (local Irish time) on Sunday, 1st of March 2026 Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified above. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. Late applications will not be accepted. Maynooth University is an equal opportunities employer The position is subject to the Statutes of the University

Salary

€46,418– €65,806 p.a.

Posted

17 Feb 2026

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Subjects Taught at the University of Basel

See below for a range of subjects taught at the University of Basel

Arts and Humanities

  • Archaeology
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics

Business and Economics

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business and Management
  • Economics and Econometrics

Computer Science

  • Computer Science

Education Studies

  • Education

Law

  • Law

Life Sciences

  • Biological Sciences
  • Sport Science

Medical and Health

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Physical Sciences

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics and Astronomy

Psychology

  • Psychology

Social Sciences

  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Geography
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Sociology