PhD-Position in the Ambizione Project: 'Going Native': Autochthony, (Im-)Mobility and Uneven Entanglements between Kosovo and Switzerland (PI. Dr. Danae Leitenberg; Host & Supervisor, Prof. Jelena Tosic, Migration Studies, SHSS)

The PhD student will develop, write and submit a PhD dissertation at the University of St.Gallen (School for Humanities and Social Sciences/ Migration Studies), based on research conducted in the subproject B) of 'Going Native'. Subproject B) investigates Switzerland's changing role in Kosovo, not only as a destination but also as a source of economic opportunity within Kosovo, and how this transformation is shaped by ambiguous nativist ideals and agendas. As an institutional ethnography of the links between nativism and capitalism, this project will look at the growing number of Swiss and/or Kosovar entrepreneurs who draw on nativist imaginaries of Swissness in Kosovo, often with the support of state institutions. Data will be collected through participant observation and various qualitative interview methods. The research will include 12 months of ethnographic fieldwork in Kosovo (Pristina). In addition to writing their PhD-Thesis, in the post-fieldwork stage the PhD student will be expected to contribute to project outputs (conference papers, peer-reviewed publications, special issue, etc.) and the organization of workshops and conferences. Apart from the fieldwork project phase, the research will be based at the University of St.Gallen (residence/work permit, office, regular project meetings, pursuit of the PhD).

As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 10'000 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3'500 researchers, educators and professional staff.

• The candidate holds a Master's degree in social/cultural anthropology, ethnology, sociology, geography or other relevant discipline.

• They provide over knowledge and experience in qualitative research and ethnographic fieldwork.

• Prior engagement with the issues of mobility/migration and/or nationalism are an asset.

• The PhD student will be able to conduct research within the framework of the overall project and the subproject in Kosovo both independently and in team-work.

• To facilitate ethnographic fieldwork in Kosovo, proficiency in Albanian is required and a knowledge of German or French is considered an asset.

• The candidate is fluent/advanced in English and will write their PhD thesis and other outputs in English.

• The call is open to candidates of any citizenship/nationality background.