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

Automotive Jobs
Uk
February 25, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

About the Department

University College London (UCL) is globally recognised for research excellence and interdisciplinary scholarship. The Department of Anthropology is one of the UK’s few broad-based anthropology departments, bringing together five interconnected areas:

Evolutionary and Environmental Anthropology

  • Social Anthropology
  • Material Culture
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Public Anthropology

Based in Bloomsbury and UCL East, the department fosters innovative research, collaborative teaching, and a strong commitment to equality and social inclusion.

About the Studentship

This fully funded PhD studentship is part of the Leverhulme-funded project Petrol Station Dreams, led within UCL Anthropology.

The project explores how financial capitalism depends upon migrant labour, focusing specifically on Sri Lankan Tamil migrants working in UK petrol stations. Following the outbreak of the Sri Lankan civil war in 1983, many Sri Lankan Tamils migrated to the UK and entered petrol station work. This research examines how their labour, aspirations, and everyday lives are intertwined with financialised systems of capital.

Using ethnographic methods, the project aims to understand how migration, labour, war, and capitalism intersect in lived experience.

The doctoral researcher will contribute to this broader project while developing an independent PhD thesis aligned with their academic interests.

Research Focus

The successful candidate will:

  • Conduct in-depth ethnographic fieldwork
  • Build relationships with Sri Lankan Tamil migrant workers and their families
  • Contribute to grounded analysis of migrant labour within capitalism
  • Explore themes such as gender, class, religion, conflict, violence, or diaspora
  • Candidates are encouraged to shape the doctoral thesis around their own research questions within the project’s broader framework.
  • Fluency in Tamil is essential for conducting meaningful fieldwork.
  • For informal academic enquiries, applicants may contact Dr Yathu Yogarajah.

About You

You should:

  • Hold a degree in Social Anthropology or a related ethnographic discipline
  • Have experience conducting independent qualitative research (e.g., fieldwork, participant observation, interviews)
  • Demonstrate knowledge of at least one of the following areas: capitalism, violence, gender, religion, conflict/war
  • Show familiarity with issues affecting marginalised or conflict-affected communities
  • Be able to speak Tamil fluently
  • We are looking for a researcher who combines methodological rigour with sensitivity, reflexivity, and strong interpersonal skills.

Funding & Registration

  • The studentship is funded by the Leverhulme Trust and is subject to formal funder approval.
  • The successful candidate must also apply for and register on UCL’s Anthropology Research Degree (PhD) programme in order to take up the award.
  • No formal offer can be issued until the funder confirms approval.

Visa & Immigration Information

This studentship qualifies for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) sponsorship under UK immigration rules. International applicants are welcome.

For official guidance, please consult:

How to Apply

  • Current CV
  • Cover letter

Two writing samples (approximately 2,000 words each):

  • One demonstrating engagement with anthropological approaches to capitalism, violence, gender, religion, or conflict/war
  • One additional piece (academic, creative, or reflexive) showing suitability for the project
  • You do not need to produce new writing; previous coursework or publications are acceptable.
  • Deadline: 31 March 2026

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to building an inclusive academic community. Applications are especially encouraged from candidates currently underrepresented within higher education.

The Department of Anthropology prioritises equality, social justice, and inclusive research practices across all areas of its work.

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