The University of Helsinki has announced applications for a four-year Doctoral Researcher position in the Anthropology of Humanitarianism, offering an opportunity for aspiring researchers to undertake cutting-edge doctoral research on the future of humanitarian systems. Based within the Faculty of Social Sciences, the position forms part of the New Humanitarian Infrastructures at the End of Aid project, funded by the Research Council of Finland.

The successful candidate will begin the appointment on 20 November 2026 and will contribute to an international research project examining how humanitarian systems are evolving following the global decline in international aid. Applications are open until 24 July 2026.

Research Project Explores the Future of Humanitarianism

The doctoral position is embedded within the New Humanitarian Infrastructures at the End of Aid research project, led by Dr. Stefan Millar.

The project investigates how humanitarian infrastructures are changing following significant reductions in international aid, including the withdrawal of USAID funding in 2025. Rather than viewing humanitarian systems solely as institutional structures, the project examines the complex relationships between technology, infrastructure, governance, social networks, and displaced communities.

Research primarily focuses on humanitarian settings in Kenya while also considering transnational diaspora networks in Canada and other relevant humanitarian contexts.

The project aims to contribute new knowledge on how alternative humanitarian systems are emerging and how refugees and local communities are reshaping humanitarian responses.

Research Themes

The successful doctoral researcher will align their research with one or more of the project’s core themes while developing an independent doctoral study.

Research areas include:

State-led humanitarian infrastructures and governance.
Refugee-led initiatives and community-based humanitarian systems.
Transnational remittance networks as alternative aid mechanisms.
Corporate and digital infrastructures supporting humanitarian operations.
Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in humanitarian governance.

Although Kenya serves as the primary research setting, applicants may propose research in another relevant humanitarian context where appropriate.

Role and Responsibilities

The appointed researcher will conduct an independent ethnographic doctoral research project while contributing to the wider objectives of the research programme.

Key responsibilities include:

Designing and conducting independent doctoral research.
Undertaking ethnographic fieldwork in Kenya or another approved humanitarian context.
Completing either a monograph-based or article-based PhD.
Participating in project communications and dissemination activities.
Collaborating with project partners and external organisations.
Assisting in organising project workshops and events.
Contributing to teaching activities for up to 5% of annual working time.

The role offers considerable flexibility for applicants to incorporate complementary research methods, including collaborative and participatory approaches.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must possess the academic qualifications and research potential necessary to undertake doctoral studies.

Eligible candidates should have:

A Master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology or a closely related discipline.

Relevant academic backgrounds include:

Human Geography.
Development Studies.
Migration and Refugee Studies.
Sociology.
Public Health.
Political Science.
Peace and Conflict Research.

Applicants must either have secured admission to a doctoral programme at the University of Helsinki before commencing employment or obtain doctoral study rights within the six-month probationary period.

Desired Skills and Experience

The University of Helsinki is seeking applicants with strong research capabilities and a demonstrated interest in humanitarian studies.

Preferred qualifications include:

Excellent analytical and academic writing skills.
Ability to conduct independent research.
Motivation to pursue doctoral studies.
Experience living, working, or conducting research in humanitarian contexts.
Knowledge of humanitarian issues affecting Kenya or comparable settings.
Language skills relevant to the project, including Swahili, Arabic, Somali, or other regional languages.

The university particularly encourages applications from candidates of refugee and/or East African backgrounds.

Salary and Benefits

The successful doctoral researcher will receive a competitive employment package within one of Europe’s leading research universities.

Benefits include:

Annual gross salary ranging from €32,000 to €42,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
Four-year fixed-term employment.
Finnish pension benefits.
Occupational healthcare.
Relocation assistance provided by the University’s International Services team.
Opportunity to live and work in Finland, consistently recognised for its high quality of life, education, healthcare, and research environment.

The employment contract includes a six-month probationary period.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit their applications through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System before the deadline.

Required documents include:

A one-page motivation letter.
A research plan of no more than two pages, including bibliography.
A current curriculum vitae (CV).

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in online interviews during the first and second weeks of August 2026.

Application Deadline

Interested candidates should ensure their applications are submitted before:

Application Deadline: 24 July 2026 (23:59 Helsinki Time)

The University of Helsinki’s Doctoral Researcher position offers an outstanding opportunity for emerging scholars interested in humanitarian studies, anthropology, migration, and global development. Through a fully funded four-year doctoral appointment, researchers will contribute to internationally significant research while developing expertise in one of the world’s leading academic institutions.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

University of Helsinki Opens Fully Funded Doctoral Researcher Position in the Anthropology of Humanitarianism – Apply By 24 July 2026 @Unknown