Join an interdisciplinary research team in the Department of Society Studies at Maastricht University to explore how entrepreneurship programs for refugees affect livelihoods and displacement dynamics in the Global South.
Project Focus
The PhD project investigates:
- Entrepreneurship and self-reliance programs for young refugees in urban, informal economies
- Border-making practices embedded in refugee livelihood programs
- How such programs shape protracted displacement rather than resolve it
- Comparative, multi-scalar ethnographic research in one chosen country (e.g., Southeast Asia, Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa)
Requirements
- Master’s in Anthropology, Sociology, Geography, Migration/Humanitarian/Development Studies
- Experience with qualitative and ethnographic methods
- Strong analytical writing and organizational skills
- Fluent in English (academic level)
- Language proficiency for research in the selected country
- Willingness to reside in Maastricht (outside of fieldwork)
Responsibilities
- Conduct 12-month ethnographic fieldwork
- Archival research on refugee self-reliance and youth programs
- Write dissertation and publish at least one article
- Present findings at academic events
- Participate in workshops, trainings, and the research group
Employment Terms
- 4-year full-time PhD position
- Salary: €2,901 – €3,707/month (plus 8% holiday and 8.3% year-end bonuses)
- Generous leave (29 vacation days + 4 holidays + 12 additional if hours accrued)
- Pension scheme, commuting/internet allowance, work-from-home flexibility
- Support for professional development and participation in a vibrant academic community
Application Deadline
August 31, 2025
Application Materials
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages) answering:
- Why do you want to do a PhD?
- How does this project align with your background/goals?
- How would you tailor this project to your expertise or networks?
- Writing sample (e.g. Master’s thesis excerpt)
- Two referees’ contact details
Shortlisted candidates will later be asked to submit a 1,000-word research proposal and attend interviews in late September 2025.
For further details or application, please see the university’s website.
