156 FB 8 Research Associate (m/f/d)

The Institute for Migration Research and Intercultural Studies (IMIS) is seeking to appoint, with effect from 1 December 2026, a

Research Associate (m/f/d),
(Salary level E 13, TV-L 100%)

for the ERC project “MULTI-RES: Rethinking Multilevel Responsibilities in Displacement(s)” for a period of five years.

Mass displacement resulting from conflict and climate change represents a growing global challenge that reveals profound conflicts regarding the fair distribution of responsibility. The ERC project “MULTI-RES” investigates how responsibility for displaced populations is defined, negotiated and assumed at different levels and among different actors. It develops a multi-level and interdisciplinary analytical framework based on three interlinked pillars:

• transnational responsibility of international institutions
• politics of responsibility of states
• socio-cognitive responsibility of individuals (migrants, host societies, policy-makers)

The project combines theoretical development with empirical research on three displacement situations (Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine) and six countries (Turkey, Poland, Pakistan, Germany, Canada, the United States), drawing on mixed-methods research designs, including textual analysis, ethnographic approaches, participatory methods and deliberative citizen dialogues.

Your duties:

• Planning and conducting research within the framework of MULTI-RES
• Designing and conducting qualitative field research (interviews, focus groups; developing innovative research methods, etc.), particularly in Turkey and on a comparative basis
• Publishing in leading academic journals in the fields of migration studies, international relations, political sociology and related disciplines
• Contributing to the supervision and mentoring of the PhD candidate and student research assistants involved in the project
• Research coordination within the MULTI-RES project, in particular the coordination of work packages with international partners and local research teams, the project advisory board, and the preparation of reports for the European Research Council
• Assistance with the planning and organisation of events and knowledge transfer activities

Requirements:

• Completed doctoral degree, or having submitted the PhD thesis with the defense pending, or being in an advanced stage of the PhD in Political Science / International Relations, Policy Studies, Sociology of Law, or a related field;
• Proven excellent skills in coordinating international research projects involving multiple partners, including the coordination of work packages;
• Proven research expertise at the intersection of displacement, migration governance and climate-induced mobility;
• Publications on the topics of forced migration, refugee protection, migration governance or closely related areas in internationally recognised academic journals.

Additional Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in preparing grant applications to European funding programs (e.g., Horizon Europe) or other international funding agencies.
• Demonstrated expertise in comparative mixed-methods research, including the design and implementation of qualitative fieldwork across multiple country contexts and experience integrating qualitative and quantitative evidence.
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken); proficiency in Turkish and Arabic, particularly for fieldwork, is highly desirable.

We offer:

• the opportunity to contribute to an exciting and highly topical research project
• the opportunity to be affiliated with the Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 1604 ‘Production of Migration’
• collegial collaboration within an interdisciplinary, international and diversity-oriented team that promotes equal opportunities
• a modern research infrastructure and professional development opportunities at the University of Osnabrück

The position is available on a full-time or part-time basis.

Osnabrück University is a family-friendly university and is committed to helping working parents balance their family and working lives.

Osnabrück University is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and the professional equality of the genders. We promote a culture of science and work that enables fair opportunities and a discrimination-free environment for learning, teaching, and working. In doing so, we strive for fair representation of all social groups among our staff and work to counteract underrepresentation.

Applications from people with severe disabilities and those treated as equivalent under applicable law will be given preferential consideration where candidates are equally qualified.

Please send your application, together with relevant supporting documents, by October 07, 2026 in PDF format to the Director of IMIS, Prof. Dr Helen Schwenken, email: .

For further information regarding this vacancy, please contact Zeynep Mencütek by email: .

We look forward to receiving your application.

Information on data protection can be found at: www.uni-osnabrueck.de/stellenangebote