Fully Funded PhD Positions in Social Anthropology on Energy Futures in Southeast Asia at University of Zurich University of Zurich in Switzerland

Call for applications for two fully funded PhD positions in Social Anthropology at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, within the SNSF-funded project OFFGRID: Energy Futures in Southeast Asia.

The project examines how small-scale, off-grid solar infrastructures shape energy futures in the global South, with comparative fieldwork in Vietnam and Indonesia. The doctoral projects are designed around two research settings: Rural Vietnam and Urban Indonesia. The Rural Vietnam project focuses on household solar systems, women’s participation in solar farming, agrivoltaics, rural livelihoods, gender relations, and social change. The Urban Indonesia project focuses on rooftop solar systems, commercial solar installations, community-owned solar projects, energy policy, affordability, and inequality.

Successful candidates will conduct original fieldwork in Southeast Asia, develop and implement their own PhD research project, complete a doctoral dissertation, participate in workshops and seminars, present at international conferences, and contribute to academic publications. The positions are full-time for four years and start on 1 August 2026 or by agreement.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Social Anthropology, Development Studies, Human Geography, or a related discipline. Strong qualitative research experience and an interest in ethnographic methods are required. Mixed methods experience, participatory mapping, and survey research are desirable. Excellent English is required; Vietnamese or Bahasa Indonesia is an advantage, or applicants should be willing to learn the relevant language.

Funding is fully covered through SNSF salary rates. Applicants must submit a single PDF including a cover letter (max 2 pages) stating which subproject they are applying for, a CV, degree certificates, contact details for two referees, and one or two writing samples. Apply through the University of Zurich recruitment portal.