PhD Researcher Opportunity at the Geneva Graduate Institute: Digital Humanitarianism and Technological Innovation-Apply by 02 June 2025

PhD Researcher Opportunity: Digital Humanitarianism (F/M/D)
Contract Duration: 4 Years (2025-2029)
Application Deadline: 2 June 2025
Starting Date: 2 September 2025

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) project titled “Digital Humanitarianism: Governing Vulnerable Populations in an Age of Technological Innovation” explores the intersection of digital technologies and humanitarian aid.

This research project focuses on the development of partnerships among humanitarian organizations, private corporations, and scientific institutions to understand the evolving field of digital humanitarianism.

The project looks at the complete cycle of digital technology design—from ideation to prototyping, testing, and implementation. It is led by an international team of researchers spread across four continents, blending anthropological theory, ethnographic research, and Science and Technology Studies (STS) approaches.

The research investigates how “digital humanitarianism” influences global scientific networks, tech-philanthropies, and field operations in humanitarian contexts.

The main research question centers on: What conceptions of ‘humanity’ and forms of governance are being articulated at the intersection of philanthro-capitalism and digital humanitarianism?

Role Overview:

The PhD researcher will work under the supervision of Julie Billaud, Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

The researcher will contribute to the project’s dissertation by conducting ethnographic fieldwork, supporting scientific research, and analyzing the ways in which digital technologies for humanitarian purposes are shaped by various logics, such as humanitarian needs, scientific innovation, and market considerations.

Key Responsibilities: The researcher will be involved in several critical tasks and collaborations throughout the project:

1. Research Collaboration with EssentialTech Center (EPFL, Lausanne):
   • Conduct research on the prototyping of digital technologies for humanitarian purposes, working directly with the EssentialTech Center.
   • Explore how digital technologies designed “for good” are influenced by humanitarian, scientific, and market-driven logics.
   • Investigate how Swiss research culture, humanitarian history, and the principle of neutrality in Switzerland shape the design of these technologies.
2. Fieldwork and Data Collection:
   • Ethnographic fieldwork and semi-structured interviews will be conducted to study how digital technology development for humanitarian aid intersects with diverse notions of crisis, risk, and needs.
   • Analyze the implications of technological design choices on humanitarian outcomes and governance.
3. Collaborative Efforts:
   • Support the EssentialTech Center’s daily activities, especially in identifying and developing collaborative opportunities with humanitarian organizations.
   • Match identified humanitarian needs with the relevant technological expertise at EPFL.
   • Provide ad-hoc support for projects being implemented by the center.
4. Collaborative Research and Publications:
   • In collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI) and Postdoctoral Researcher (Hanna Berg, PhD Geneva Graduate Institute 2024), help map international science and policy networks.
   • Contribute to the creation of a database of institutional actors involved in digital humanitarianism.
   • Organize and contribute to two international exploratory workshops involving policymakers and academics.
   • Assist in the preparation and drafting of joint publications with the PI and the postdoctoral researcher.
   • Present research findings at conferences.
5. Administrative Support:
   • Ensure the project meets interim goals and strictly adhere to timelines.
   • Assist the PI and Postdoctoral Researcher with administrative duties, including reporting to funders.

Required Qualifications:

• MA in Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, or related fields, with a strong interest in Science and Technology Studies (STS) or Law and Society.
• Alternatively, an MA in International Affairs with relevant coursework in sociology or political science will also be considered.
• Experience with ethnographic research methods and interview-based research is a plus. Applicants should mention this experience in their motivation letter.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; French proficiency is a plus, as the Geneva Graduate Institute is bilingual and fieldwork is based in Switzerland.
• Demonstrated familiarity with technological innovation and engineering is preferred.
• Highly organized and capable of working autonomously to complete a PhD thesis.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in an international team.

What You Can Expect from Us:

• A cosmopolitan and diverse community of students and researchers.
• Opportunity to work at the forefront of global climate, humanitarian, and technology issues.
• A flexible, inclusive, and international work environment with a collaborative atmosphere.
• Career development opportunities in the fields of international development, humanitarian aid, and technological innovation.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a complete application package in PDF format to the Geneva Graduate Institute by 02 June 2025. The application package should include:

1. Letter of Motivation: Explain your academic background, research interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a PhD, and include two referees.
2. Short Research Proposal (max. 1000 words): Describe your research interests related to the project and explain how you would approach the topic at EPFL, collaborating with the EssentialTech Center.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
4. Grade Transcript.
5. Sample Writing: An MA thesis, article in preparation, or a published book chapter.
6. Other relevant documentation that supports your application.

Contact Information:
For informal inquiries, please contact Julie Billaud at [email protected].

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our community. We do not discriminate based on age, marital status, disability, race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.

For more information about the Geneva Graduate Institute and this exciting opportunity, please consult the Institute’s website. Note: Applications sent by post or email will not be considered.

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