PhD Studentship: Anthropology of Migrant Labour and Capitalism in London

This PhD studentship forms part of the Leverhulme-funded research project Petrol Station Dreams, which investigates how financial capitalism relies on migrant labour, focusing on a particular labour force: Sri Lankan Tamil migrants working in UK petrol stations. When the Sri Lankan civil war began, many Sri Lankans left their homes to come to the UK. When they came to the UK, many found jobs in petrol stations. Petrol Station Dreams employs ethnographic methods to explore how their lives, labour, and aspirations are entangled within a highly financialised system. The PhD studentship starts from 01 August and is for 3 years.

The student is encouraged to integrate their own academic interests—such as gender, class, or religion—into the project. They will contribute to a grounded analysis of migrant labour within capitalism while developing an independent doctoral thesis. Building strong relationships with Sri Lankan migrant workers and their families is crucial for success.

You will hold a degree in Social Anthropology or a related field that employs ethnography. You should have experience conducting independent qualitative research, such as ethnographic fieldwork, participant observation, or in-depth interviews. You will have a demonstrable knowledge of one or more of the following: capitalism, violence, gender, religion, or conflict/war. You will have knowledge of social issues affecting marginalised or conflict-affected communities (Sri Lankan or other communities). Ability to speak Tamil is also essential for fieldwork.

To apply, please send the following:

• a current CV;
• A cover letter;
• Two writing samples of approximately 2,000 words each. One writing sample should demonstrate your knowledge of anthropological approaches to one or more of the following: capitalism, violence, gender, religion, or conflict/war. The second sample can be any piece of writing that shows your suitability for this project – this can be a creative, reflexive, or academic piece of writing. You do not have to write anything new for this application – past essays or creative pieces of writing will do.

The successful applicant will then be required to apply to and register for an Anthropology Research Degree programme to take up the studentship. Start date: 1 August. Please note all offers are subject to the approval of the funder for this post, the Leverhulme Trust. No formal offers for the doctoral positions can be made until the funder has approved the appointment. This role meets the eligibility requirements for a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a student visa.