PhD Candidate in Social and Cultural Anthropology (Utility Cycling in Yogyakarta)
Join a groundbreaking ethnographic study on utility cycling in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, as a PhD candidate in Social and Cultural Anthropology.
Best for:Best for anthropologists with strong ethnographic fieldwork experience, proficiency in English and Indonesian, and a passion for studying social inequalities and mobility in urban contexts.
Overview
This PhD position offers the opportunity to conduct ethnographic research on utility cycling practices in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, as part of the 'Cycling Together/Bersepeda Bersama' project. Led by Associate Prof. Sanderien Verstappen at the Universität Wien, the project explores mobility, mediation, and social inequalities through the lens of everyday cycling. The successful candidate will develop and execute a research proposal, conduct fieldwork, and contribute to academic publications while enrolled in the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences. The role combines research, administrative support, and collaboration with local stakeholders, offering a unique interdisciplinary experience in social anthropology and urban mobility studies.
What you'll do
- Conduct ethnographic research on utility cycling practices in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, including urban, peri-urban, and rural areas.
- Develop and defend a research proposal within the first year of the project.
- Carry out on-site fieldwork in Yogyakarta during the second year of the PhD.
- Finalize a PhD dissertation according to the guidelines of the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences within four years.
- Actively participate in project activities, including team meetings, public outreach, data management, and research ethics procedures.
- Contribute to academic publications, both as a single author and co-author.
- Enroll in and complete courses at the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences.
- Collaborate effectively with the principal investigator, research team, administrative staff, stakeholders, and research participants.
Requirements
Degree required: Recently completed or near-completion of a Master's degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology, or a related degree in the Social Sciences with elective courses in Social and Cultural Anthropology.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English (C1 level) and Bahasa Indonesia (minimum proficiency); other Indonesian languages are recommended.
Instruction: English
- Experience in on-site ethnographic fieldwork
- Adaptability and sensitivity to diverse field sites
- Excellent command of English (C1 level)
- Proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia (minimum) or other Indonesian languages
- Effective academic writing and speaking skills
- High level of social skills and self-organization
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- Applicants must have recently completed or be near completion of a relevant Master's degree.
- No age restrictions mentioned.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-19T23:00:00 (Europe/Vienna)
Applicants must submit a letter of motivation (max 2 pages), a brief research project proposal (max 2 pages), their Master’s degree/diploma, a list of courses taken with grades, a sample of academic writing (e.g., MA thesis or section), a CV including two referees’ email addresses, and a list of outcomes from prior ethnographic fieldwork. All documents must be submitted in English via the university’s application website.
- Letter of motivation (max 2 pages)
- Research project proposal (max 2 pages)
- Master’s degree/diploma
- List of courses taken with grades
- Sample of academic writing (e.g., MA thesis or section)
- Curriculum Vitae (including two referees’ email addresses)
- List of outcomes from prior ethnographic fieldwork
Contact
Sanderien Verstappen· Principal Investigator
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