Doctoral Researcher in the Anthropology of Humanitarianism
The Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of
DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF HUMANITARIANISM
for a fixed term period of four years, starting on 20 November 2026 (or as agreed).
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 aims to contribute to wider debates on the future of humanitarianism while working with refugees to expose and generate alternatives to contemporary humanitarianism.
Rather than treating humanitarian infrastructures as exclusively institutional systems, the project conceptualizes them as assemblages of physio-technological systems and social relations of diverse actors, material arrangements, and transnational connections. Empirically, the project focuses on Kenya but is open to research being conducted in alternative humanitarian contexts.
The project approaches these infrastructural transformations through four themes:
• State infrastructures: examines the expanding role of the state in humanitarian contexts, focusing on how state-led initiatives and programs are reshaping humanitarianism.
• Refugee-led infrastructures: explores how refugees generate alternatives to the top-down and neocolonial humanitarian system by organizing and creating infrastructures such as community-based organizations or mobilizing political movements that challenge current humanitarian operations.
• Transnational remittance infrastructures: analyzes how the financial and digital networks connecting diaspora communities across borders may serve as alternative forms of aid distribution.
• Corporate infrastructures: investigates the growing role of private-sector actors and digital systems in humanitarian governance. This includes the incorporation of financial platforms and emerging technologies such as generative AI, which are increasingly used in humanitarian prediction and resource distribution.
ABOUT THE POST
We are looking for a doctoral researcher who will undertake a doctoral project within the framework of the wider research project. While we expect the research plan to align with the key themes of the research project, specifically those related to state, refugee and corporate infrastructures, applicants are encouraged to implement approaches to the topic relevant to their own expertise and scholarly interest.
The main task of the appointed doctoral researcher is to conduct independent research in a selected humanitarian context in Kenya (or a relevant alternative site). Methodologically, the research project will be ethnographic, but the doctoral researcher is encouraged to engage with other methods, such as collaborative research.
The appointee will play a key role in project implementation and will be expected to complete a PhD monograph or article-based PhD based on the empirical material produced, as well as participating in project communications, collaborating with partner organizations, organizing project events and other tasks relating to the project. 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 field relevant to the research topic (e.g. human geography, development studies, migration and refugee studies, sociology, public health, political science, peace and conflict research). They must have proven ability and motivation to pursue postgraduate studies and a doctoral degree according to the study plan and research proposal, evidenced by previous degree studies or other activities.
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, or must apply for the right and obtain it within the six-month probationary period. Further information can be obtained online.
Applicants’ skills and motivation to conduct research on this project will be evaluated on the basis of their application documents and an interview. The successful candidate will have excellent analytic and writing skills and will be able to conduct independent work.
We strongly encourage candidates of refugee and/or East African background to apply. Experience of working, researching or living in a humanitarian context in Kenya or another country is extremely welcome and we encourage candidates to include such experiences in their application. We also appreciate language skills relevant for research project (e.g. Swahili, Arabic, Somali etc.).
The appointee will be expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The International Services team will provide assistance with relocation.
WHAT WE OFFER
The University of Helsinki is an equal opportunities employer and offers an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a range of benefits. The annual gross salary will range from approximately €32,000 to €42,000 for the doctoral researcher depending on qualifications and experience. Standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for university employees. Further information can be obtained online. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.
Finland is a member of the European Union, has high quality free schooling (also in English) and generous family benefits and healthcare. Finland was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families, and Helsinki in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region feature leading research and innovation facilities, clean environment, affordable accommodation, and excellent international, national, and local transport connections. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see the website.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the “Apply now” button below. Use your current email address to register with the Recruitment System. Internal applicants (i.e. current employees of the University of Helsinki) may submit applications using the “Employee Login” button. The closing date for applications is 24 July, 2026 (at 23:59 Helsinki time).
Please include with your applications the following documents as pdf files:
1. A letter of motivation describing your interest in, background and suitability for the project (max. 1 page).
2. A research plan (max. 2 pages, including bibliography)
3. A curriculum vitae
Detailed information on the CV can be obtained online.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed (online) during the first and second week in August.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For queries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Stefan Millar, stefan.millar@helsinki.fi
For technical support with the recruitment system, please contact recruitment@helsinki.fi
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