PhD Studentship: Anthropology of Migrant Labour and Capitalism(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs
Uk
March 9, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

About UCL Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology at UCL is a research-led centre with international recognition, offering innovative teaching and research programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, across Bloomsbury and UCL East.

UCL Anthropology is one of the few broad-based anthropology departments in the UK, organised into five sub-sections:

  • Social Anthropology
  • Evolutionary and Environmental Anthropology
  • Material Culture
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Public Anthropology

The department is committed to equality, inclusion, and social justice, integrating these values into teaching, research, and community engagement.

About the Studentship

This PhD studentship is part of the Leverhulme-funded project “Petrol Station Dreams”, which explores how financial capitalism depends on migrant labour, focusing on Sri Lankan Tamil migrants working in UK petrol stations. Many Sri Lankans migrated following the civil war in 1983 and found work in petrol stations. This research uses ethnography to examine how their labour, lives, and aspirations intersect with highly financialised economic systems.

Key Features:

  • Duration: 3 years, starting 1 August 2026
  • Funding: Leverhulme Trust, subject to funder approval
  • Scope: Students are encouraged to integrate their own research interests (e.g., gender, religion, class) into the project.

Success in this studentship depends on building strong, respectful relationships with migrant workers and their families and conducting rigorous ethnographic research.

Who We’re Looking For

Applicants should:

  • Hold a degree in Social Anthropology or a related field that employs ethnographic methods.
  • Have experience conducting independent qualitative research, such as ethnographic fieldwork, participant observation, or in-depth interviews.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of capitalism, conflict, gender, religion, or violence, with an understanding of issues affecting marginalised or conflict-affected communities.
  • Be able to communicate in Tamil, essential for fieldwork and community engagement.
  • An ability to analyse social structures and contribute to critical anthropological discourse is highly desirable.

Application Process

To apply, submit the following materials:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) — highlighting education, research experience, and relevant skills
  • Cover Letter — detailing your suitability for the studentship and research interests
  • Two Writing Samples (approx. 2,000 words each)
  • One demonstrating knowledge of anthropology related to capitalism, violence, gender, religion, or conflict/war
  • One showcasing any relevant writing (creative, reflexive, or academic)
  • Selected candidates will then be required to apply to and register for the Anthropology Research Degree Programme to officially take up the studentship.

Important: Offers are subject to funder approval (Leverhulme Trust).

Visa & Immigration Information

This studentship meets the eligibility requirements for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) sponsorship. International applicants requiring a student visa are welcome.

Official UK guidance:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where diversity drives creativity and innovation. We particularly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in higher education and research.

Equality and inclusion guidance:

This studentship offers a unique opportunity to contribute original research at the intersection of anthropology, migration studies, and capitalism, while developing as a scholar in a globally recognised research environment.

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