Postdoc in Border Studies / Sociology at Campus Sønderborg University of Southern Denmark in Denmark

University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is advertising a 3-year postdoc position in border studies / sociology at Campus Sønderborg, within the Department of Media, Design and Educational Science and the Organizing Social Sustainability research group.

The postdoc will work on the Interreg project TRUST. Talents and Regions United through Sports and Teaching, led in this work package by Professor Klarissa Lueg. The project focuses on young people in the German-Danish border region and examines decision-making and structural barriers related to higher education and preprofessional sports. The study uses a mixed-methods design, including focus group interviews, a quantitative online survey, and further data collection and analysis.

The role is research-intensive and practice-oriented. The successful candidate will be expected to connect the project to an appropriate conceptual framework and relevant state of the art, publish at least three high-quality scholarly articles, build and maintain a German-Danish stakeholder group, organize workshops and meetings, and develop practice recommendations for academic and sports partners. The postdoc will also collaborate closely with the research center and contribute to dissemination activities.

Teaching may be added for candidates appointed full-time, with duties drawn from courses in International Business Administration, Language and Culture, and Cand.merc.int. The teaching portfolio includes English for specific purposes, digital management, Danish language/culture/society, business English, and research methods in the humanities.

Required qualifications include a PhD in a relevant field, empirical expertise, strong publications in recognized journals, documented experience with both quantitative and qualitative research, teamwork experience in academia, and excellent academic English. Applicants must also have either excellent Danish or excellent German; candidates without high-level command of one of these languages will not be considered. Presence on campus Sønderborg is required, and travel within the border region is part of the job.

The position is temporary and partly funded at 65% through the project, with the possibility of expansion to full-time through teaching depending on qualifications and interests. The expected start date is 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The application deadline is 6 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

To apply, candidates must submit the application electronically via SDU’s online portal, together with a CV, diplomas, publication list, up to two relevant publications, and a cover letter describing fit, motivation, experience, and campus presence. Non-Danish documents must be translated into English.