Early Stage Reseracher – PhD Student (m/f/d), SB24-0125

The University for Continuing Education Krems specializes in part-time academic continuing education. As a public university for continuing education, it works with its expertise in teaching and research to overcome societal challenges and tailors its study programs to address them. With over 8,000 students coming from 99 countries, the University for Continuing Education Krems combines its many years of experience in university-based continuing education with innovation to provide outstanding quality in research and teaching at an international level. Situated 60 km from Vienna in the alluring world heritage region Wachau, Campus Krems is a highly attractive location.

The following position is available to strengthen our team of the Migration and Globalisation Department at the Faculty of Business and Globalisation:

Early Stage Researcher – PhD Student (m/f/d)

30 hrs./week

Advertisement No. SB24-0125

This position begins with a two-month Visiting Research Fellowship dedicated for drafting a PhD Proposal. Upon successful evaluation, it transitions into a three-year fixed position within the ERC Starting Grant project “MixedRivals,” funded by the EU. The PhD candidate will play a pivotal role in the MixedRivals project, primarily focusing on the data collection related to de facto (forced) migration policies, supporting qualitative interviews, and assisting with survey design and analysis. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of (forced) migration and conflict studies.

Project description  
The MixedRivals project examines perceptions and relationships between different refugee and migrant groups (e.g., different statuses and nationalities). The aim is to understand when these relationships become rivalrous or more solidaristic, with a focus on perceived and objective inequalities and (forced) migration policies. This innovative interdisciplinary project integrates theories from social psychology, conflict studies, migration studies, and policy research. More information on the project is available at: https://mixedrivals.com/ 

Candidate profile 
We are looking for a PhD candidate whose research interests align with the MixedRivals project, specifically focusing on (forced) migration and conflict within North Africa (Tunisia, Egypt, or Morocco), while also maintaining a unique research focus.  

Your tasks

• Pursue and submit a cumulative PhD dissertation in Migration Studies within three years following the successful evaluation of the PhD proposal and research fellowship
• Conduct independent research and assist with data collection, analysis, dissemination, and workshop organization within the MixedRivals project
• Publish research findings in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Engage in international research collaboration and departmental research clusters
• Further refine the PhD project proposal and seek additional funding for field research, summer schools, and conferences as necessary

Your profile

Applicants must demonstrate the following qualifications:

• A master’s degree in political science or a closely related field, with an excellent academic record. A focus on (forced) migration or violent conflict is preferred
• Proficiency in survey design and analysis, as well as familiarity with qualitative interview techniques
• Prior knowledge of relevant software tools (e.g., STATA, MaxQDA, Lime Survey, Qualtrics) for analysis, with a willingness to further develop these skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Previous academic research experience or other relevant work experience in the field of forced migration and/or conflict
• Regional knowledge and a strong interest in North Africa, specifically Tunisia, Morocco, or Egypt
• High motivation to work in the interdisciplinary fields of forced migration, law, psychology, and conflict, with the ability to conduct independent research
• Proficiency in English (minimum C1 level) and good knowledge of either French or Arabic (both minimum B2 level)
• An original, high-quality draft PhD proposal (not AI-generated) linked to the MixedRivals project, to be refined and finalised during the initial visiting research fellowship.

In addition, the following criteria are desirable:

• Strong competence in mixed methods research
• Knowledge of bibliographical software, such as Citavi
• Knowledge of (forced) migration policies in Africa, along with experience in data collection and policy analysis
• Strong intercultural competencies for working in an international environment
• Ability to establish relations with local institutions or NGOs in North Africa

Your perspective

• Part-time position (30 hours/week) initially limited to three years with a minimum salary of EUR 3,578.80 gross per month on a full-time basis (classification as a scientific project staff member according to § 49 VwGr. B1, Kollektivvertrag für Universitäten (collective agreement for universities)collective agreement of universities)
• 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.

We look forward to receiving your online application by 25 September 2024 via our online tool: Vacancies - University for Continuing Education Krems (donau-uni.ac.at)

Your application should include:

• Motivation letter (max. two pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Degrees and transcripts
• Two writing samples (e.g., Master thesis, seminar paper, scientific articles, etc.) (single authored or/and first author)
• Preliminary PhD project proposal (3-5 pages, excluding bibliography), including research question, contribution to the literature, planned research design, methodology, time frame and bibliography 

Please note that only complete applications will be considered. The quality of the preliminary research proposal will be an integral part of the selection procedure, evaluated on coherence/consistency, originality and significance, clearness of research question, theoretical framing, research methodology, and feasibility. 

Application procedure:
The selection process involves two stages. Following a successful application and interview, the selected candidate will start as a Visiting Research Fellow for two months, with reimbursement for travel and accommodation provided. During this period, the PhD proposal will be fully developed under the guidance of the MixedRivals team and the Department for Migration and Globalization. Upon successful completion of the fellowship, the candidate will begin their three-years PhD position within the PhD programme of Migration Studies and the MixedRivals project.