Postdoc in migration studies for research project on integration at the local level

Jobbeskrivelse
At the Department of Culture and Learning (Culture and Communication as per January 1st.) , Aalborg University - Aalborg, a postdoctoral position is available for appointment from April 1st. 2026. The position is a full-time, fixed-term appointment of 31 months.

The postdoc will be part of the research project Networks of Migrant Solidarity: Local and Translocal Dynamics in Civil Society and Municipalities, which is funded by the Velux Foundation.
Read Velux’s presentation of the project at: https://veluxfonden.dk/en/projekt/migrant-solidarity-network-local-dynamics-civil-society-and-municipalities

The aim of the project is to develop a conceptual framework on solidarity and examine relevant cases to understand how solidarity with migrants is produced spatially, as well as outcomes, practices and policies emerging from it. A sociospatial approach is employed to consider locally produced relations of solidarity, the formation of networks of solidarity actors, and the connections between scales. Overall the project will address: How does solidarity between municipalities, civil society and migrants contribute to develop multiscalar practices and policies beyond the nation-state? To answer this, departing from a set of theoretical assumptions, solidarity is conceputalised as: transversal, organisational, contentious, multiscalar, and outcome-oriented. Methodologically, the project relies on on interpretative policy analysis and ethnographic methods. Empirically we conduct city case-studies in Barcelona, Brussels, Copenhagen and Sheffield as well as city networks on migrant solidarity.

Job description:
The postdoc will carry out the project’s fieldwork in two European cities, spending at least two months in each city; this period can be divided into several trips. As part of the fieldwork, the postdoc should apply ethnographic methods on site and conduct interviews with relevant political actors, civil society and migrant organisations, social movements, and representatives of migrant communities. In addition, the postdoc should identify the main actors participating in translocal networks for interviews and, where relevant, participate in international summits on migration and integration at the municipal level.
The data and analyses from the field studies will be shared openly and continuously with the project team. As an output of the sub-project, the postdoc is expected to prepare publications for international peer-reviewed journals.
The postdoc is also expected to participate in the planning and execution of workshops and seminars with civil society organisations, practitioners, policymakers, and representatives of migrant communities, as well as participate in international academic conferences, presenting the findings of the project.
The postdoc will be affiliated with the research group DEMOS at the Department of Culture and Communication and is expected to participate actively in the meetings, seminars and activities of the group.

Qualifications:

• A PhD degree obtained prior to the start of employment, within a relevant humanities or social sciences discipline.
  • Ability to speak English; knowledge of Danish or French may be relevant.
  • Documented experience in publishing in international journals, and experience in academic English writing.

Contacts

• Óscar García Agustín: +4599409205,
• HR Support: +4599403031,

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here

Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A research plan
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma)
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of five publications. If you are applying for a position at The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), you must submit a co-author statement, see template for co-author statement
• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Depending on which faculty you are applying for employment, please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, The Faculty of Engineering and Science and The Faculty of Medicine orguidelines for teaching portfolio at The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position
• References/recommendations

In addition, it is an advantage if applicants have experience with:
• Data collection: interviews, ethnography, and participant observation.
• Qualitative analysis: coding, interpretative policy analysis, and frame or/and discourse analysis.
• Knowledge of theories related to migration, solidarity, urban policy, political geography, integration, and sociology.
• Collaboration with civil society organizations and migrant organizations.
• Handling the ethical aspects of research on migration.

Ansøgningsfrist
23-01-2026

Ref. nummer
2025/886

Afdeling
Department of Culture and Learning