Research Fellow (PhD Student) (m/f/d) 

30 hrs./week Advertisement No. SB23-0128

The advertised position is part of the FWF project “Migration as Morality Politics” coordinated by Prof. Julia Mourão Permoser. This project investigates the contentious politics of sanctuary in Europe and the United States. By sanctuary we understand practices by local governments and civil society organizations that aim to provide unauthorized migrants with a safe space where they can be shielded from immigration law enforcement. The project investigates three types of sanctuary: sanctuary cities, sanctuary churches (or other places of worship), and sanctuaries created along or near international borders by NGOs that seek to protect those who are trying to cross the border.

We are looking for a PhD candidate interested in conducting a PhD project that relates to the topic of the project. In particular, we welcome applications by researchers interested in conducting a study of sanctuary in the United States, and comparing it to the existing findings of the project about sanctuary in Europe.

Your tasks

• Independent research and research assistance in the “Migration as Morality Politics” project
• Publishing research findings in international, peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Engaging in international research collaboration
• Pursuing and submitting a cumulative PhD dissertation in Migration Studies within three years

Your profile

• University Master’s degree in the fields of political sciences, economics, sociology, geography, population studies or a related discipline
• Knowledge of and strong skills in using qualitative and/or mixed methods of social science research
• Interest in local level and civil society movements of solidarity with migrants
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to conduct independent research
• Excellent English skills (min. C1)

In addition, the following criteria are desirable:

• Previous work experience in academic research
• Knowledge of the US-American migration context

Your perspective

• Part-time position (30 hours/week,) initially limited to 3 years, with a minimum salary of EUR 3.277,30 gross per month on a full-time basis (classification as a scientific project staff member according to collective agreement of universities §49 VwGr. B1)
• Innovative and modern working environment at the Campus Krems
• Possibility of home office and mobile working (max. 42% of working hours)
• Very good opportunities for further education within the framework of our own study programs, extensive offer of workplace health promotion as well as the University Sports Institute (USI)

Persons with disabilities who meet the required profile criteria are expressly invited to apply for this position. The University of Continuing Education Krems sees high innovation potential in the diversity of its employees and is committed to diversity as a guiding principle.

Interested? We look forward to receiving your online application by 31 August 2023 via our online tool.

Your application should include:

• Cover letter (max. two pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Degrees and transcripts
• Two writing samples (e.g., Master thesis, seminar paper, scientific articles, etc.)

More information

Interviews for this position will take place online in September 2023. The selected candidate is expected to start in October 2023.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Dr. Mathias Czaika (mathias.czaika@donau-uni.ac.at) or Prof. Dr. Julia Mourão Permoser (julia.mourao.permoser@univie.ac.at).

More information about the Department for Migration and Globalisation can be found on the website.

Photo Credits: Jocelyn Kinghorn on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)