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

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 Veluxs presentation of the project at: 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 projects 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 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.

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.

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 (masters 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. Youmay 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 or guidelines 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

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

The application must be submitted via Aalborg Universitys recruitment system which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg Universitys website.

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.

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.

Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here

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

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.

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).

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).

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3700 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.