Postdoctoral Researcher in Migration Studies (m/f/d) – ERC Consolidator Grant (Comparison of Sanctuary Cities in US & Latin America) (SB26-0080)
The University for Continuing Education Krems specializes in part-time academic continuing education. As a public university, it works with its expertise in teaching and research to overcome societal challenges. The university combines many years of experience in continuing academic education with innovation and the highest quality standards in research and teaching.
As an employer, we offer around 700 employees an inspiring and flexible working environment in the unique Wachau World Heritage region.
The Department for Migration and Globalisation at the Faculty of Business and Globalisation invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (Post-Doc). The position is part-time for three years and will start on 1 November 2026 or shortly thereafter.
We are looking for a Post-Doc with a top academic profile, strong publication record and previous project management experience. The position is divided 50%-50% between the ERC project Ethics in Action and other tasks within the Department of Migration and Globalisation.
Your Role in the Project
You will lead Work Package 3, conducting a comparative study of the ethical dilemmas faced by local policymakers in sanctuary/solidarity cities in the United States and Latin America.
This is a unique opportunity to:
* Design and carry out your own comparative research within a major ERC project
* Conduct fieldwork in diverse and politically relevant urban contexts
* Contribute to theory-building at the intersection of empirical research and political theory
* Collaborate within an ambitious, international, and interdisciplinary research team
* Select cities to investigate as case studies within the project’s comparative framework
* Conduct qualitative fieldwork (interviews, participant observation, policy analysis)
* Publish high-quality research in leading international journals
* Contribute to collaborative outputs, including an edited volume and a practitioner-oriented handbook
* Engage with academic and non‑academic stakeholders in the fieldwork regions
* Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a dynamic team environment
* Participate in conferences, workshops, and public engagement activities
* Contribute and engage in other departmental affairs and activities
Your profile
* Completed PhD in political science, sociology, public policy, urban studies, migration studies, or a related field (completion certificate must be available by 15 October 2026).
* Excellent track record of academic publications in the migration field
* Expertise in urban governance and the multi‑level governance of migration
* Experience with comparative research designs
* Strong command of qualitative research methods
* Excellent knowledge of the region (United States of America and Latin America)
* Excellent analytical and writing skills, proven by 2 writing samples (see list of application documents below)
* Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research
* Excellent command of English (min. C1)
* Excellent command of Spanish and/or Portuguese (min. C1)
* Willingness to relocate to Krems, Vienna or surrounding areas
In addition, the following criteria are desirable:
* Previous research on sanctuary cities or local solidarity policies in the United States and/or Latin America
* Experience working with sensitive data and ethical research standards
* Familiarity with debates on the ethics of migration policy and proven ability to link empirical research with political theory debates
* Previous experience working in collaborative research projects
Your perspective
* Part‑time position (30 hours/week) initially limited to 3 years
* Salary of EUR 5,014.30 gross per month (14x) on a full‑time basis
* The opportunity to shape your own research agenda within a high‑profile ERC project
* A vibrant and collaborative research environment at an internationally connected institution
* Support for fieldwork, publications, and international networkingClose collaboration with leading scholars in migration politics and political theory
* A strong platform for career development and future academic opportunities
* Innovative working environment at the Campus Krems
* Flexible working hours and the option to work from home (max. two days)
* Comprehensive internal training and coaching opportunities
* A wide range of support services to help balance work and family life
* Various workplace health promotion programs as well as offerings from the University Sports Institute (USI)
The University for Continuing Education Krems sees high innovation potential in the diversity of its employees and is committed to diversity as a guiding principle. We therefore explicitly invite people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses who meet the required profile criteria to apply for the position.
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)
* The research outline should address:
o The ethical dilemmas likely to arise in the context of sanctuary/solidarity cities in the United States and Latin America
o The proposed research design and methodology
o Relevant theoretical and empirical literature, including additional sources beyond the project proposal
Danube University Krems is the university for continuing education. Its courses are specifically oriented toward the needs of working professionals.
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