PhD Position in Mining Mineral Life
Fully funded 4-year PhD opportunity examining critical mineral extraction and energy transitions in Southeast Asia.
Best for:Best for humanities or social science graduates interested in political geology, critical minerals, and environmental humanities.
Overview
Nanyang Technological University invites applications for a fully funded four-year PhD position within the School of Humanities and the NTU Asian School of the Environment. Led by Assistant Professor Adam Bobbette, the project investigates how critical mineral mining for energy transitions transforms landscapes and livelihoods across Southeast Asia. The successful candidate will develop an independent research project intersecting geoscience, political geology, artisanal practices, and mineral cosmologies. Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds are welcome, with a strong encouragement for those holding degrees in the humanities.
What you'll do
- Develop and execute an independent PhD research project related to critical mineral extraction in Southeast Asia
- Conduct rigorous fieldwork and empirical research within the region
- Contribute to a broader multidisciplinary research programme integrating artistic collaborations and public engagement
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed academic journals and present at international conferences
- Engage with conceptual themes such as political geology, geo-solidarities, and mineral cosmologies
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant discipline, with a strong preference for candidates holding at least one degree in the humanities
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency suitable for academic writing and instruction
Instruction: English
- Demonstrated background in humanities, social sciences, or related environmental fields
- Strong academic writing and critical analysis skills
- Capacity to conduct independent fieldwork in Southeast Asia
- Interest in multidisciplinary approaches combining social and earth sciences
- Open to applicants worldwide from all academic backgrounds
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-15
Prepare a research project proposal related to critical mineral extraction in Southeast Asia. Submit your application through the official Nanyang Technological University admissions portal by the specified deadline. Direct any informal enquiries to Assistant Professor Adam Bobbette via email.
- CV
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter
Contact
Adam Bobbette· Principal Investigator / Assistant Professor
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