The two co-presidents represent the interests of around 2,700 doctoral researchers and 500 postdoctoral researchers at the University of Basel. As part of the avuba executive board, the co-presidency preferably consists of one doctoral researcher and one postdoctoral researcher, optimally from different faculties. If possible, gender representation ought to be balanced as well.

At the next General Meeting on November 23, 2026, the two avuba co-presidents for 2027 will be elected. The current co-president, Micha Bigler, a doctoral researcher in the Faculty of Medicine, is running for reelection. For the benefit of continuity, the avuba board recommends his reelection. However, this must also be confirmed by the avuba members present at that meeting. 

All assistants at the University of Basel are eligible to run for co-president.

Key information

• Term: Co-presidents are elected for one year (2027). To ensure continuity within avuba, we would welcome candidates who could see themselves serving for two years.
• Workload: 20% per co-president
• Remuneration: According to the University of Basel's Doc 2 salary scale. If you already hold a 100% position at the university, the 20% role may be compensated with a fee.
• Language: avuba’s internal work can be carried out entirely in English. However, as university governance, internal documents and many meetings at the University of Basel are primarily conducted in German, at least one co-president should have very good German skills. Responsibilities can be shared accordingly.
• Election: Both co-presidents will be elected by the avuba members that participate at the general meeting on November 23, 2026. All candidates, including Micha Bigler, may briefly introduce themselves before the vote. The two candidates receiving the most votes will be elected for 2027.

Job Description

The avuba co-presidents implement the decisions of the executive board and the general meeting, represent avuba within and outside the University, and coordinate the work of the executive board. They are supported by the avuba co-general managers in administrative and organizational matters.

Representative and Strategic Responsibilities

• Maintaining regular contact with the Rectorate, other university bodies, as well as doctoral and postdoctoral representatives on university committees
• Communicating avuba’s positions and demands to internal and external bodies
• Preparing avuba publications and statements
• Developing avuba’s strategy in cooperation with the executive board

Organizational and Administrative Responsibilities

• Personnel responsibility for the avuba co-general managers, including the coordination and oversight of their activities
• Convening, preparing for and chairing meetings of the executive board and the general meeting
• Planning and implementing services and activities for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers as decided by the executive board
• Reviewing and approving all avuba invoices

Interested in becoming avuba co-president?

If you would like to stand for election, please contact Patricia at avuba@clutterunibas.ch by 15 November 2026.