Mining Mineral Life: Extracting the Energy Transition in Southeast Asia examines how mining for energy transition critical minerals is transforming landscapes and livelihoods in Southeast Asia. The project aims to break new empirical and conceptual ground in the understanding of extraction by integrating geoscience, artisanal knowledges, mineral cosmologies, and histories of critical minerals. At the centre of the project is an interrogation of the category of minerality, the distinction between the bio/geo, and new visions of ‘mineral life.’
Critical minerals underpin decarbonization technologies, from semiconductors to batteries and wind turbines. Southeast Asia, rich in these resources, including tin, nickel, rare earths, and silica, faces rising extraction pressures as global Net Zero targets accelerate demand. Yet the environmental, social, and cultural consequences of critical mineral mining are poorly understood. Key gaps remain in understanding how policy designations of mineral “criticality” affect local landscapes, livelihoods, and artisanal knowledge systems. What is the history and geopolitics of mineral “criticality” in Southeast Asia? How has critical mineral extraction driven the formation of state boundaries and geopolitics of the region? What new spaces and knowledges are emerging around the critical mineral trade? What opportunities are there for new geo-solidarities between miners, minerals, and the deep history of the earth itself?
We are seeking a Research Fellow (24 months) to conduct critical and creative spatial analysis of the historical and contemporary environmental impact of tin mining on Bangka Island, including estimations of volumes of mined material, tailings morphologies, sediment morphology and composition, anthropogenic landscape impacts, and global commodity chain morphology. Candidates will map and visualise landscape change on Bangka over time and will have a background in one or more of the following: geology, geography, architecture, or graphic design.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a creative and ambitious remote sensing, GIS, and mapping driven research project over two years on the impact of tin mining on Bangka Island.
- Conduct cutting edge advanced interdisciplinary research potentially bridging humanities and geosciences.
- Conduct in-depth primary research in the field, archive, public and private databases (or both).
- Visualise landscape change on Bangka Island and tin commodity chains over time.
- Participate in the intellectual development of the Mining Mineral Life research group, contributing to the organizing and roll-out of an international conference, regular seminars, and public programming to increase the impact of the project.
- Contribute research and creativity to field defining publications in leading scholarly venues and high impact public engagement.
Job Requirements
- PhD degree in any discipline conferred by start date of the post, humanities and/or geography/geosciences preferred.
- Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, and associated mapping/visualization/graphic design software.
- Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and deliver an original substantive advanced research project in two years.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Interpersonal skills including ability to work independently, develop solutions under strict timelines, meticulous and eye for details, excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with exhibitions, graphic design, advanced visual communications a plus.
Interested candidates, please submit by 04 December 2026, 6:00pm
- CV of no more than four pdf pages, including education, awards, publications, and presentations.
- Project description including max 3 sides of A4 pdf explaining your interest in the project and experience. Please include a brief outline of your approach to the project and the methods you would use. Include a brief bio, and why you think this project is for you.
- Names and contact details of three references.
We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Hiring Institution: NTU
