Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

Sociology /Social Anthropology/ Digitalisation
Full-time, TV-L E13, fixed-term for 36 months

The Research Centre Global Dynamics (ReCentGlobe) at Leipzig University invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) in the German Research Foundation (DFG)-funded project “Digitising Global Health: Datafication and Re-Spatialisation Processes in Africa”, led by Prof. Dr. Marian Burchardt.

The position is available at the earliest possible date, is funded for 36 months, and is remunerated according to TV-L E13 (100%).

The research project

The project investigates the societal consequences of the digitalisation of public healthcare in Africa through a comparative study of Ghana and Malawi. Its empirical focus is on the digitalisation of patient records and health data and on how processes of datafication transform medical practices, institutional structures, and spatial configurations.

Particular attention is paid to the interconnections between local medical practices, national healthcare systems, and transnational networks of data, technologies, and actors.

The project brings together perspectives from the sociology of digitalisation, infrastructure studies, and social-scientific research on Global Health. Methodologically, it is grounded in interpretive social research and ethnography and combines problem-centred qualitative interviews with participant observation in healthcare settings.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• conduct independent ethnographic fieldwork in Ghana and Malawi, including extended research stays in both countries;

• contribute to the conceptual and theoretical development of the research project;

• collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator and research partners in Ghana and Malawi;

• present research findings at national and international workshops and conferences;

• publish project findings both independently and jointly in internationally recognised academic journals; and

• actively participate in the intellectual and academic activities of ReCentGlobe.

Candidate profile

Applicants are expected to have:

• an excellent PhD in Sociology, Social or Cultural Anthropology, or a closely related social-science discipline;

• substantial experience with qualitative research methods and/or ethnographic research;

• a demonstrated research interest in at least one of the following fields: digitalisation and society, digital health, Global Health, medical anthropology, infrastructure studies, or globalisation studies;

• the ability to independently design, conduct, and analyse qualitative empirical research;

• excellent command of written and spoken English;

• willingness and ability to undertake extended periods of fieldwork in Ghana and Malawi;

• the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within an international research team; and

• strong academic writing, communication, and publication skills.

The following would be advantageous:

• previous research experience in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in West and/or East Africa;

• familiarity with African healthcare systems and/or Global Health research;

• research experience related to digitalisation, digital infrastructures, or health technologies;

• experience with comparative qualitative research; and

• existing academic networks in Ghana, Malawi, or other African research contexts.

We offer

The position provides an opportunity to develop an independent academic profile at the intersection of digitalisation, Global Health, and globalisation research and to use the research conducted within the project for further academic qualification.

The project will be based at the Research Centre Global Dynamics (ReCentGlobe) at Leipzig University. ReCentGlobe provides an international and interdisciplinary research environment dedicated to the study of globalisation processes in the past and present and brings together approximately 200 researchers. The project also involves established collaborations with researchers in Ghana and Malawi and other academic institutions.

Application

Please submit your application, including

a cover letter, academic CV, list of publications, one relevant publication or writing sample, and copies of relevant degree certificates

as a single PDF file by 15 October 2026 to:

marian.burchardt@uni-leipzig.de

For academic enquiries, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Marian Burchardt
Research Centre Global Dynamics (ReCentGlobe)
Leipzig University
marian.burchardt@uni-leipzig.de

Information regarding diversity and severe disability:

Research, teaching, knowledge transfer, infrastructure, and administration require a diversity of perspectives. The university is therefore committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, religion, cultural or social background, age, or sexual orientation. The university aims to increase the proportion of women in positions of responsibility and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply.

In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to applicants with a severe disability or those with equivalent status under the Social Code (SGB IX). If you have questions regarding accessibility or require support during the application process, please contact Leipzig University’s Representative for Employees with Severe Disabilities at schwerbehindertenvertretung@uni-leipzig.de.