DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF HUMANITARIANISM

for a fixed term period of four years, starting on 20 November 2026.

The position is part of the project New Humanitarian Infrastructures at the End of Aid, funded by the Research Council of Finland and led by Dr. Stefan Millar. The project examines transformations in humanitarian systems amid the global withdrawal of international aid, focusing on humanitarian contexts in Kenya and transnational diaspora networks in Canada.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The New Humanitarian Infrastructures at the End of Aid project studies how humanitarian infrastructures are emerging, being remade or falling into ruination following the end of global commitment to international aid, exemplified by the withdrawal of USAID in 2025.

The project approaches these infrastructural transformations through four themes: State infrastructures, Refugee-led infrastructures, Transnational remittance infrastructures, Corporate infrastructures.

ABOUT THE POST

We are looking for a doctoral researcher who will undertake a doctoral project within the framework of the wider research project. The main task is to conduct independent research in a selected humanitarian context in Kenya (or a relevant alternative site). The appointee will play a key role in project implementation and will be expected to complete a PhD monograph or article-based PhD, participating in project communications, collaborating with partner organizations, organizing project events and other tasks. Duties will also include teaching (up to 5% of annual working time).

QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in social and cultural anthropology or another relevant field. The appointee will need to have secured the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment. We strongly encourage candidates of refugee and/or East African background to apply.

WHAT WE OFFER

The annual gross salary will range from approximately €32,000 to €42,000. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months. The appointee will be expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System. The closing date for applications is 24 July, 2026 (at 23:59 Helsinki time). Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed (online) during the first and second week in August.