Geological processes are often treated as background conditions to human life: inert and lifeless subterranean realms of rock, magma, tectonic plates, or mineral formations are often conceived as static objects rather than dynamic sociopolitical forces. Yet recent debates in geological anthropology invite us to think differently and consider how geologies are intrinsically entangled with histories and lived realities of inequality, violence, and resistance.
Drawing on recent debates in geological anthropology, this PhD project will explore how geologies can be approached as active constituents of everyday life in Latin America. It interrogates the knowability and unknowability of underground realms by examining how histories of power and forms of violence are embedded in Earth's stratigraphies; how geosocial formations give shape to plural human–Earth relationalities; and how geological processes mediate racialised, gendered, and classed inequalities.
The PhD candidate is expected to select and follow a specific geological phenomenon, such as volcanic activity, seismicity, or critical minerals, to better understand the interconnected materialities, histories, and knowledge practices that underpin geosocial and capitalist relations. The project will examine the lived experiences of communities who engage with geologies in their everyday lives, including people living near lava deposits or under the threat of volcanic eruptions, (urban) residents of seismic risk zones, employees of geological monitoring institutions and state-led disaster risk authorities, or people involved in the extraction of critical minerals. Across these settings, the project interrogates how violence and resistance emerge through different spatial, temporal, and stratigraphic scales, and how these processes can be understood in relation to the geologies, materialities, and power relations through which landscapes and environments are transformed.
Your job
The candidate will join the Department of Cultural Anthropology at Utrecht University and is expected to reside in the Netherlands and work from Utrecht for the duration of project, except for the fieldwork period(s). The project will be supervised by Tessa Diphoorn, Gijs Cremers, and Jesse Jonkman.
The PhD position will be based at the Department of Cultural Anthropology in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences of Utrecht University. The project will be embedded in the Cultural Anthropology Department’s Sovereignty and Social Contestation Research Programme. The research programme addresses the interaction between power, authority, and legitimacy, which it seeks to connect with social movements, protest, and conflict. Please follow the links to learn more about the Cultural Anthropology Department and the Sovereignty and Social Contestation Research Programme.
Tasks
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You will conduct ethnographic fieldwork in a Latin American field site of choice for at least 9 months.
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You will write and submit a PhD dissertation and submit at least one peer-reviewed journal article for publication, within four years.
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You will use and experiment with multisensorial or more-than-human research methods and evocative and creative forms of writing.
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You will contribute to the development of conceptual approaches to geological anthropology.
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You will actively participate in the meetings and wider activities of the Department of Cultural Anthropology's Sovereignty and Social Contestation (SoSCo) research programme.
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You will present and share your research results at (international) conferences.
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You will contribute to teaching activities (max 10%) within the department.
We are looking for an enthusiastic colleague who meets the following requirements:
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An MA degree in anthropology or a related discipline, preferably affinity with geological anthropology;
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Motivated to outline and conduct your own research project;
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Demonstrable relevant experience with ethnographic research in Latin America;
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Experience with multimodal anthropological methods (visual, sensorial, etc.);
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Curiosity towards methodology and willingness to experiment with new methods;
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Well-developed analytical and ethnographic writing skills, affinity with different forms of creative writing is appreciated;
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and one of the languages necessary to conduct the study, such as Spanish, Portuguese, or French.
Note: If you do not meet the requirements, we encourage you not to apply.
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a job for 1 year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
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a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 in the first year and €3,881 in the fourth year in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
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8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
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a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues.
The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.
For more information, please contact please contact Gijs Cremers at [email protected] or Evan Blake at [email protected].
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, you should submit a motivation letter (maximum 600 words), a CV (with two references), and a brief research idea (maximum 1,000 words). In this research idea you should explain how you would design and develop your research project, considering the overall project description and methodological approach. Your research idea should be informed by the project description.
Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.
The interviews take place in the first week of September 2026. An assessment is part of the procedure. Our preferred start date is 1 October 2026.
