Doctoral Researcher (f/m/x) - DFG Project ‘Encounters and Entanglements: Localizing Global China in Laos and Vietnam’

Doctoral Researcher (f/m/x) - DFG Project ‘Encounters and Entanglements: Localizing Global China in Laos and Vietnam’

Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology
Faculty of Human Sciences

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

EE-LaoViet is a French-German anthropological research project (in cooperation with EHESS Paris) that aims at studying past and present lifeworlds of Chinese communities in northern Vietnam and Laos, with a particular focus on urban spaces of encounter and conviviality.

YOUR TASKS

• Developing a doctoral project within the framework of EE-LaoViet (focussing on Chinese communities in Vietnamese border towns)
• Conducting ethnographic fieldwork for 6 to 10 months in northern Vietnam
• Data collection and analysis
• Presentation of results in the form of regular reports, lectures and publications
• Participation in regular project meetings
• Supporting the organization of academic and policy events (conferences, workshops, working meetings)
• Supporting the project‘s online activities (together with a French PhD student based at EHESS Paris)

YOUR PROFILE

• Completed Master‘s degree (MA) in Social and Cultural Anthropology (or related disciplines)
• Willingness to conduct several months of ethnographic research in Vietnam; familiarity with the research area will be beneficial
• Excellent knowledge of English and Vietnamese is required; knowledge of Chinese will be beneficial
• Interest in the history and cultures of the Sino-Vietnamese borderlands is expected

WE OFFER

• Integration in the University‘s Global South Studies Center
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 01.11.2025 on a part-time basis (29,87 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 31.10.2028. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary will be based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2507-04. The application deadline is 04.09.2025.

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Sandra Kurfürst (sandra.kurfuerst@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.