About the Position
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral position in Anthropology to join the ERC-funded project Activist Techtopias: Crafting Alternate Infrastructures of Resistance in Asia (AlterTech), led by Dr Yatun Sastramidjaja. This fixed-term position is based in the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, and embedded within the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR).
The postdoctoral researcher will conduct multi-sited ethnographic research among Asian diaspora and activist-in-exile communities in Europe, focusing on how dissident infrastructures are created under conditions of digital repression and long-distance surveillance. The project draws on cultural and social anthropology, infrastructure studies, and technopolitics, using ethnographic, collaborative, and multi-modal methodologies. This role offers strong international collaboration, high publication potential, and an intellectually vibrant research environment in Amsterdam.
Position / Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Amsterdam
- Department: Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Research Field: Anthropology
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Part-time, Postdoctoral (Temporary)
- Start Date (Anticipated): September 2026
- Working Hours: 30.4 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
- Salary Range: As per the University of Amsterdam postdoctoral scale
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Cultural and social anthropology
- Anthropology of infrastructure and technology
- Activism, resistance, and technopolitics
- Asian diaspora and transnational movements
- Ethnographic and multi-modal research methods
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Completed a PhD in anthropology or a closely related social science or humanities discipline
- Strong expertise in ethnographic research methods
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency
- Ability to conduct sensitive fieldwork independently
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous research on activism or social movements
- Knowledge of debates on infrastructure, technology, and surveillance
- Affinity with decolonial and engaged anthropology
- Emerging publication record in relevant academic outlets
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork on Asian diasporic activism in Europe.
- Publish single-authored and co-authored academic articles
- Present findings at international conferences and research seminars
- Contribute to theory-building and project coordination with the PI
- Actively participate in the AISSR and Moving Matters research community
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online as a single PDF via the official application portal.
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter outlining research interests and proposed case study
- Curriculum Vitae
- Copy of PhD certificate
- Contact details of two academic referees
- Writing sample (maximum 25 pages)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: January 2026
- Deadline: 9 March 2026
- Interview Date: First week of April 2026
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Amsterdam
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply Now: click here
Click here for more job opportunities
