Postdoctoral Researcher in Migration Studies – ERC Grant: Sanctuary Cities in US & Latin America University for Continuing Education Krems in Austria

The University for Continuing Education Krems, located in Austria’s Wachau World Heritage region, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Migration Studies for a part-time, three-year position within the ERC-funded project 'Ethics in Action: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas of Migrant Solidarity.' The project, led by Professor Julia Mourão Permoser, focuses on the policies and practices of solidarity with irregular and precarious migrants, developing an actor-centred framework to understand how policymakers and civil society actors navigate ethical dilemmas in real-world contexts. The research combines political theory and empirical investigation, examining how various actors—including national and local policymakers, labour unions, faith-based organizations, and facilitators of movement—respond to ethical dilemmas in practice. Cases are compared across Global North and South contexts to identify patterns and develop new theories of decision-making under value conflict.

The successful candidate will lead Work Package 3, conducting a comparative study of ethical dilemmas faced by local policymakers in sanctuary and solidarity cities in the United States and Latin America. Responsibilities include designing and carrying out comparative research, conducting qualitative fieldwork (interviews, participant observation, policy analysis), publishing in international journals, contributing to collaborative outputs such as an edited volume and practitioner handbook, engaging with stakeholders, mentoring junior researchers, and participating in conferences and public engagement activities. The position also involves departmental contributions and collaboration within an ambitious, international, and interdisciplinary research team.

Applicants must hold a PhD in political science, sociology, public policy, urban studies, migration studies, or a related field by 15 October 2026. Essential qualifications include a strong publication record in migration studies, expertise in urban governance and multi-level migration governance, experience with comparative research designs, proficiency in qualitative research methods, excellent knowledge of the US and Latin America, analytical and writing skills (demonstrated by two writing samples), independent research ability, and excellent command of English and Spanish and/or Portuguese (minimum C1). Willingness to relocate to Krems, Vienna, or nearby areas is required. Desirable qualifications include prior research on sanctuary cities or solidarity policies, experience with sensitive data and ethical research standards, familiarity with migration policy ethics debates, and collaborative research experience.

The position offers a salary of EUR 5,014.30 gross per month (14x) on a full-time basis, with a part-time workload of 30 hours/week. Additional benefits include support for fieldwork, publications, and international networking, flexible working hours, the option to work from home (up to two days), comprehensive internal training and coaching, workplace health promotion programs, and a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. The university is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses who meet the profile criteria.

Applications must be submitted online by 24 August 2026. Required documents include a cover letter, CV, research outline (2–3 pages), copies of degrees and transcripts, two writing samples, and contact details for three references. The research outline should address ethical dilemmas in sanctuary/solidarity cities, proposed research design and methodology, and relevant theoretical and empirical literature. For further details, consult the project proposal.

This opportunity provides a platform for shaping your own research agenda within a high-profile ERC project, close collaboration with leading scholars, and career development in an internationally connected institution.