PhD Opportunity at Maastricht University
Maastricht University
Description
The Department of Society Studies at Maastricht University is inviting applications for a PhD position focused on ethnographic research into the ways refugee entrepreneurship and similar initiatives shape borders and displacement experiences in the Global South. This PhD project is part of the Globalisation, Trans-nationalism, and Development research group. The central concern is how entrepreneurship and self-reliance programs, while aiming to empower refugees, may also act as mechanisms of control, subtly reinforcing displacement through restricted inclusion. Refugees often live for prolonged periods in legal limbo, facing barriers to employment and integration. Amid this, organizations and governments increasingly promote entrepreneurial training and youth employment schemes as alternatives to more durable solutions like resettlement. This research will critically examine such initiatives as potential “bordering” practices within informal urban economies.
Responsibilities
Research Scope
The selected PhD candidate will conduct in-depth ethnographic fieldwork on refugee-targeted entrepreneurship programs, especially those involving youth. Key research angles include:
- A youth-focused perspective exploring how young refugees navigate and interpret self-reliance programs during displacement
- An urban-refugee lens assessing how state and non-state actors design programs for refugees living in under-regulated urban areas.
- A border-making framework analyzing how such initiatives may function as soft governance tools that maintain refugee precarity while withholding legal recognition.
The study will take place in a refugee-hosting country in the Global South—preferably in
Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, or Sub-Saharan Africa—and may involve comparative research across multiple initiatives.
The PhD will integrate interviews, participant observation, and archival analysis to understand perspectives from program participants, organizers, and funders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a research and fieldwork strategy, in line with ethical and data protocols.
- Conduct up to 12 months of ethnographic fieldwork in the chosen country.
- Undertake archival research on the intersections of entrepreneurship, displacement, and border governance.
- Write and submit a PhD dissertation and collaborate on 1–2 academic publications.
- Engage in regular meetings, workshops, and events within the research group and the faculty.
- Present your findings at academic conferences and international forums.
- Participate in training programs offered through the Faculty Graduate School.
Qualification
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to independent research and ethnographic methods. Specifically, applicants should have:
- A completed Master’s degree in Anthropology, Geography, Sociology, or related interdisciplinary fields (e.g., Migration Studies, Humanitarian Studies, International Development).
- Experience with qualitative methodologies, especially ethnography.
- Strong critical thinking and academic writing abilities.
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
- Excellent planning and time-management skills.
- Language skills relevant to the intended research site are highly desirable.
What Maastricht University Offers
As a PhD researcher, you will join one of Europe’s most international universities, located in the lively city of Maastricht. You’ll receive:
- A full-time employment contract (initially 12 months, renewable up to a total of 4 years based on satisfactory performance).
- A gross monthly salary starting at €2,901 in year one, increasing to €3,707 by year four (based on 38 hours/week).
Additional benefits include:
- 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% year-end bonus
- 29 vacation days, plus 4 extra holidays (Carnival Monday & Tuesday, Good Friday, Liberation Day)
- Commuting and internet allowances
- Pension scheme (ABP) and discounted sports memberships
- Flexible work options, including partial remote work
- Extensive support for training, career development, and well-being
Application Process
To apply, submit the following documents by August 31, 2025:
- A CV (max. 2 pages)
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) answering:
- Why do you want to pursue this PhD?
- How does the topic align with your experience and future goals?
- How would you adapt the theme to your networks, language, or expertise?
- A sample of your academic writing (e.g., Master’s thesis chapter)
- Contact information for two academic referees
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit a 1,000-word research proposal outlining:
- A potential case study country
- Core research questions
- Methodology
- Relevant theories
Interviews will be conducted on September 24–25, 2025, with second-round interviews held soon after if needed.
For inquiries, contact Mahardhika (Dhika) Sjamsoe’oed Sadjad
Email: mssadjad@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Diversity & Inclusion
Maastricht University values diversity in its staff and student community and believes this contributes significantly to academic excellence. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
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