Early-Stage Researcher – PhD Student in Migration Studies (m/f/d), ERC Consolidator Grant (Comparison Brazil & Spain – Regularisation Policies) (SB26-0079)
The University for Continuing Education Krems, part of the public university system, invites a PhD candidate to join the Department for Migration and Globalisation at the Faculty of Business and Globalisation. This position is linked to the ERC-funded project Ethics in Action: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas of Migrant Solidarity, led by Professor Julia Mourão Permoser.
Your Role in the Project
You will contribute to Work Package 2, which examines the ethical dilemmas faced by national policymakers implementing solidarity-oriented migration policies in Brazil and Spain.
The role offers an opportunity to develop an ambitious doctoral project within a high-profile ERC research environment, receive close supervision, gain training in migration studies, and build an international academic profile through publications and conference participation.
* Develop an ambitious, original doctoral project within a high-profile ERC research environment;
* Receive close supervision and structured mentoring from the PI and postdoctoral members of the team;
* Gain advanced training in migration studies within an interdisciplinary and thematically focused PhD program;
* Gain training and hands‑on experience in comparative qualitative methods and theory-driven research;
* Conduct research on a highly topical and globally relevant issue;
* Build an international academic profile through publications and conference participation.
Your Tasks
* Design and implement a comparative PhD research project on national migration policies in Brazil and Spain;
* Conduct qualitative empirical research (document analysis, interviews, fieldwork);
* Develop and submit a cumulative PhD dissertation within the project timeframe;
* Participate and complete PhD courses according to the curriculum Migration Studies;
* Contribute to high-quality academic publications and project outputs;
* Participate in international academic exchange (conferences, workshops, research stays);
* Contribute to the collaborative research environment of the ERC team;
* Support project-related activities, including dissemination and event organisation.
Your Profile
* Completed master’s degree in political science, sociology, public policy, migration studies, or a related field (certificate available by 15 September 2026);
* Excellent academic performance (e.g., transcripts, references);
* Proven interest in migration politics, governance, policymaking;
* Familiarity with debates and literature on migration governance;
* Solid training in qualitative methods of research;
* Ability to develop and pursue an independent research agenda;
* Excellent command of English (min. C1);
* Excellent command of Spanish and/or Portuguese (min. C1);
* Excellent writing skills, proven by 2 writing samples;
* Excellent and innovative research outline;
* Willingness to relocate to Krems, Vienna or surrounding areas.
Desirable Criteria
* Solid knowledge of Brazil and/or Spain;
* Prior research experience in migration studies or related fields;
* Previous academic publications;
* Experience working in collaborative research projects;
* Experience with comparative research designs;
* Knowledge of normative theory literature on migration and interest in connecting empirical research with normative theoretical debates.
Compensation and Benefits
* Fully funded PhD position (30 hours/week) limited to 3 years (to be filled by 1 October 2026);
* Salary of EUR 3,776.10 gross per month (14 ×) on a full-time basis (40 hours);
* Position within a prestigious ERC-funded project with strong international visibility;
* Close supervision and career mentoring tailored to early‑stage researchers;
* Vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment;
* Opportunities for international networking, conferences, and publications;
* Strong platform for academic career development;
* Innovative working environment at the Campus Krems;
* Flexible working hours and the option to work from home (max. two days a week);
* Comprehensive internal training and coaching opportunities;
* Wide range of support services to balance work and family life;
* Health promotion programmes and offerings from the University Sports Institute.
The University for Continuing Education Krems is committed to diversity, encouraging applications from people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses who meet the required profile criteria.
Application Documents
* Research outline (2–3 pages) describing how you would design and implement Work Package 3;
* Copies of degrees and transcripts;
* Two writing samples (preferably single-authored academic articles or chapters).
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University for Continuing Education Krems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other protected characteristic.
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