Postdoctoral Researcher in ERC Project 'Re-thinking Queer Kinship: LGBTIQ* Families in Central and Eastern Europe (QUEERSHIP)' University of Warsaw in Poland

The University of Warsaw invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in the ERC-funded project 'Re-thinking Queer Kinship: LGBTIQ* Families in Central and Eastern Europe (QUEERSHIP)'. This pioneering five-year project (2026–2030) aims to advance the study of queer kinship by focusing on the everyday lives, kinship practices, and support networks of LGBTIQ* families in Poland, Czech Republic, Croatia, and Hungary. The project moves beyond the Anglo-American perspective, offering a novel theoretical and methodological approach to queer studies.

QUEERSHIP employs an interdisciplinary methodology, integrating longitudinal ethnography, relational trajectory couple interviews, individual interviews around maps of significant others, discourse analysis, focus group interviews, Participatory Action Research (PAR), and a quantitative survey. The research in Poland will cover all work packages, including mapping sociocultural and political landscapes, exploring daily lives and kinning practices, conducting focus group interviews, contributing to quantitative research instrument design, and developing a Multidimensional Sociocultural Model of Queer Kinships.

The successful candidate will conduct fieldwork and data collection, including analysis of public discourse, participant observation, ethnography with LGBTIQ* families, interviews with parents and children, and co-organization of PAR workshops. Analytical responsibilities include systematic qualitative data analysis, collaboration in comparative analyses, co-creation of the MSMQK, and preparation of academic articles. Organizational tasks involve preparing research documentation, processing data for archiving, and representing the project at international conferences and seminars.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree or equivalent in social sciences, demonstrate excellent command of English and Polish, and have a documented research interest and publication record in relevant fields. Experience in qualitative research, particularly ethnography and longitudinal studies, is essential. Contacts within the LGBTIQ* community and/or experience collaborating with NGOs are required. Additional assets include experience in research with children, workshop facilitation, group moderation, participatory processes, and knowledge of kinship studies or anthropology of the family. Ethical sensitivity and the ability to build stable fieldwork relationships are crucial.

The position offers the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary, international team, participate in a groundbreaking ERC project, access advanced research methods, and receive funding for conferences, publications, and training. Organizational and technical support is provided, along with active integration into international research networks. The workplace is the Faculty of Sociology in Warsaw, with fieldwork required in Poland. The employer does not provide accommodation.

Applications must be submitted in English as a single PDF file containing all required documents. The deadline for submission is 6th April 2026. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews, which may be conducted on-site or online. All candidates will be notified of the results within five working days of the interviews.