Postdoctoral Position in MIA Project at Aarhus University, Denmark

About the Position

Aarhus University is offering an 18-month fully funded postdoctoral position in the internationally significant project “Mobilities, Imaginaries & Articulations (MIA): Revisioning the African City from the Periphery.” Based at the Department of Anthropology, this interdisciplinary research investigates the everyday life of youth in urban peripheries of three African cities—Cape Town, Nairobi, and Nouakchott—through multimodal, collaborative methodologies. The successful candidate will lead fieldwork in Cape Town, contribute to comparative research design, produce audiovisual outputs, and co-author scholarly publications.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Institution: Aarhus University
Department/Faculty: School of Culture and Society – Department of Anthropology
Supervisor: Associate Professor Christian Vium
Location: Aarhus, Denmark (fieldwork in Cape Town, South Africa)
Start Date (Anticipated): 1 September 2025
Duration: 18 months (ends 28 February 2027)
Funding: Fully funded via Independent Research Fund Denmark
Working Hours: Full-time
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Focus

Urban youth studies in African peripheries
Mobilities, imaginaries, and articulations of city life
Multimodal methodologies (film, photography, sound)
Participatory and collaborative ethnography
Comparative urban theory: Peripheral synergy
Public dissemination and digital archiving

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Anthropology, History, Urban Studies, Cultural Heritage, Film and Media, or related field
Field experience in Cape Town, ideally in the Cape Flats
Fluency in English (written and spoken)
3-page project proposal detailing fieldwork, methodology, and multimodal output strategy

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with multimodal research (sound, video, photo)
Knowledge of Afrikaans
International research profile
Familiarity with citizen-science methods and youth engagement
Audiovisual project portfolio (can include external media links)

Key Features of the Program

Comparative fieldwork across three African cities
Affiliated with the Eye and Mind Lab and Department of Anthropology
Contribution to exhibitions, workshops, and online dissemination
Co-authorship of publications and collaborative creative outputs
Up to 20% BA/MA teaching contribution
Part of Aarhus University’s strong international research culture

Application Process

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted in English via the official Aarhus University recruitment system. All required materials must be uploaded electronically.