Overview
The Department for Migration and Globalisation at the Faculty of Business and Globalisation is looking for a post‑doctoral researcher to undertake research in two projects led by Ass. Prof. Lea Müller‑Funk. The primary focus (85 %) will be on the new project “RESTATE: Refugees’ Political Participation and State‑(Re)Making in Displacement” (2025‑2030). The remaining 15 % will be on the project “SYREALITY: Syrian Imaginations of Europe meet Reality” (2022‑2027).
RESTATE – Project Overview
RESTATE investigates how refugees perceive and engage with the state throughout their displacement journeys, aiming to provide a dynamic understanding of refugees’ experiences, analyze state violence, theorize political participation and its implications for state‑making. The project covers refugees from Afghanistan, South Sudan and Syria across host states Iran, Turkey, Uganda and Germany. The quantitative post‑doctoral researcher will co‑lead data collection and analyze survey data for South Sudan, as well as support the SYREALITY project analysis.
Responsibilities
* Co‑authoring one paper based on the SYREALITY survey data together with the PI.
* Contributing to the conceptual framework of the RESTATE project through reading groups and working on a joint conceptual paper.
* Contributing to the ethics and data management procedures of the university and the European Research Council.
* Developing the RESTATE survey questionnaire together with the PI.
* Planning and conducting the RESTATE survey through online and physical sampling in Adjumani, Istanbul and Berlin over a period of six months.
* Leading the analysis of the RESTATE survey data.
* Authoring two journal articles based on the RESTATE survey data and contributing to two other co-authored project publications (e.g. working paper, Methodological Handbook chapter, journal article).
* Participating in project team meetings and research cluster meetings and contributing to the organization of events and workshops.
* Presenting work‑in‑progress at international workshops, conference panels, and to colleagues within the department and the university.
* Engaging in international research collaboration.
* Preparing and submitting a research proposal for third‑party funding for a follow‑up research project.
* Contributing to departmental affairs in research.
Qualifications
* Completed university degree (Doctorate/PhD) in Political Science, Geography, Sociology or in related interdisciplinary fields such as migration studies, preferably completed with distinction (criterion must be met by 30 June 2026 at latest).
* Strong quantitative skills (advanced inferential statistics, survey design).
* Strong analytical and writing skills.
* Prior knowledge about the Afghan context.
* Publication record in international journals.
* Advanced English language competency (speaking and writing for academic contexts) (min. C1).
* Enthusiasm to contribute to a collaborative team environment and to shared goals.
* Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team and independently.
* Excellent organizational skills and motivation and ability to meet project milestones/deadlines.
* A reflexive approach towards your work.
Desirable Criteria
* Previous research work on political participation, (im)mobilities, migrant agency, or resistance.
* Passion for and experience with mixed methods.
* Knowledge of qualitative methods.
* Previous research experience in the Global South.
* Prior knowledge about East Africa, and South Sudan in particular.
* Language skills in Dinka, Nuer or another dominant language spoken by South Sudanese refugees in Uganda.
Position Details
* As post‑doctoral researcher, you will be employed by the Department for Migration and Globalisation of the University for Continuing Education Krems, located in the city of Krems. The start of the contract is foreseen for September 2026.
* Full‑time position (40 hours/week) initially limited to three years. Another extension might be possible upon the availability of remaining funding.
* Minimum salary of EUR 5 014.30 gross per month on a full‑time basis, plus a 13th and 14th monthly salary (Christmas and vacation bonuses).
* Classification as a scientific project staff member according to 49 VwGr. B1, Kollektivvertrag der Universitäten (collective agreement of universities).
* You will be entitled to 25 vacation days and additional public holidays per year (full‑time basis).
* Apart from fieldwork periods, the possibility of home office and mobile working within Austria (max. 42 % of working hours).
* Possibility to apply for a commuting allowance.
* Innovative and modern working environment at the Campus Krems.
* Extensive benefits such as very good further training opportunities as part of our own study programs, a wide range of company health promotion programs and the University Sports Institute (USI).
* We also provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development, offering further opportunities to enhance your skills through participating in trainings and summer schools.
* The Department for Migration and Globalisation is highly successful in acquiring third‑party research funding: the department has led and contributed to many national and international research projects over the last 10 years and coordinated as well as co‑operated in many European projects, which will allow the post‑doctoral researcher to engage and exchange with colleagues on ongoing research and to work on developing a project proposal to submit for funding towards the end of the employment contract.
Application Procedure
We look forward to receiving your online application by 13 May 2026.
Application Requirements
* Your CV.
* Motivation letter (max. 3 pages) clearly addressing the following questions:
o What are your motivations for joining the RESTATE project?
o How do the two projects fit in with your previous experience and your future research agenda?
o How would you tailor your contribution to the RESTATE project to your specific interests, networks, and skills?
* A writing sample (journal article or a chapter of your PhD thesis).
* Contact information of 2 referees.
The first interviews will take place online via Zoom in early June 2026. The second interview will take place in person in Krems and will be held around four weeks later.
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.
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