The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is recruiting a
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER 70% (F/M/D)
DEPARTMENT/CENTRE: Centre for Digital Humanities and Multilateralism – Department: Anthropology and Sociology
CONTRACT: MAXIMUM DURATION CONTRACT- 2 YEARS
ACTIVITY RATE: UP TO 70%, 28 H / W
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 21.08.2026
STARTING DATE: AS AGREED
Presentation of the Institute :
The Geneva Graduate Institute, founded in 1927, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for the study of international relations and development. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the Institute offers a stimulating, multicultural and interdisciplinary academic environment. It offers masters and doctoral programmes, and conducts cutting-edge research on major global challenges.
About the project:
ICONS is a five-year comparative research project funded by an ERC Starting Grant, investigating the global dimension of iconoclasm — the deliberate destruction of visual signs (including monuments and images) — through the combined lenses of social anthropology, political theory, legal analysis, and visual culture.
The project is structured around three case-studies: post-socialist (Ukraine and neighbouring post-Soviet countries), led by the PI, Dr. Nataliya Tchermalykh; liberal-democratic (transatlantic, with a focus on the USA); and postcolonial (DRC and Belgium). The latter two subprojects will be led by two postdoctoral researchers working in close intellectual collaboration with the PI.
The role:
Under the supervision of the PI, each postdoctoral researcher will lead one ethnographic subproject from design through to publication. The position combines independent fieldwork (9–12 months), data analysis, and active participation in the project's comparative and theory-building phases. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to contribute substantially to the project's collaborative analytical framework while pursuing their own scholarly agenda within it.
This subproject traces the wave of monument removals initially triggered by racial violence, and their global spread through hashtag and social media activism. It investigates how such acts function as forms of political group-building and historical truth-seeking, how they are negotiated at the subnational level in federal systems, and how local acts of monument removal acquire transnational resonance through digital activism.
Key responsibilities:
- Design and conduct original fieldwork in one of the contexts (USA, with possible comparative attention to the UK, and other sites in Europe OR the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or another postcolonial African state)), including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and archival and legal document analysis.
- Participate in collective theory-building through regular research seminars, writing camps, and methodological training.
- Produce independent peer-reviewed articles/monograph or equivalent output based on subproject findings.
- Co-author comparative publications with the PI and the wider team.
- Present research findings at international conferences (minimum twice per year) and contribute to outreach through open-eds and the project podcast series.
- Contribute to the organisation of workshops and the closing conference, and to the delivery of the project's graduate course.
To be successful in this role, you should have:
- PhD in social or cultural anthropology, sociology, political science, law, or a closely related discipline, completed before the start date.
- A PhD thesis on a related topic (monument politics, colonial heritage, or transitional justice) is a strong asset.
- Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods; experience with digital research methods, especially digital activism, is an advantage.
- Strong regional expertise for the chosen context.
- Track record of peer-reviewed publication commensurate with career stage.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small collaborative research team.
- Willingness and possibility to undertake extended fieldwork.
What you can expect from us:
- Working with a large international community of users from diverse backgrounds.
- Interesting job with varied tasks.
- Good atmosphere in a human-sized team. At the heart of International Geneva.
How to Apply
Please submit a complete application in PDF format, including:
- A cover letter detailing your regional and disciplinary expertise and how your research agenda relates to this subproject (maximum 2 pages). Please specify which subproject you are applying for.
- A full academic CV, including the names and contact details of two referees.
- A writing sample of no more than 10,000 words (published article or dissertation chapter).
Applications submitted by post or direct email will not be considered. We are committed to equal opportunity and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability status, race, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation or religion.
For more information, candidates are encouraged to consult the Institute's website: graduateinstitute.ch
Please note that offers received by post or direct email won't be considered.
