Doctoral Researcher (m/f/x)

Ruhr-Universität Bochum; Bochum; Vor Ort; EUR 49.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading German university in Bochum is seeking a Doctoral Researcher to focus on migration, time, and urban inequalities. This role, under the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Doctoral Network, involves conducting research on how migrants respond to urban labour market demands. Candidates must hold a degree in Sociology or related fields and have experience in qualitative methods. The position offers significant independence and development opportunities in a vibrant urban region.

Leistungen

Challenging and varied tasks

Collaboration in a committed team

Extensive training and development opportunities

Qualifikationen

• Completed university degree in Sociology, Social Anthropology, Social Geography or related social sciences.
• Knowledge in qualitative methods required.
• Initial knowledge in migration studies or labour studies is desirable.

Aufgaben

• Conduct research and complete Ph.D. thesis and articles.
• Participate in courses and events of the MITIME training program.
• Carry out secondments at Partner University.
• Contribute to training program and publications.

Kenntnisse

Knowledge in qualitative social science methods

Excellent command of English

Proficiency in languages relevant to research

Ausbildung

Completed university degree in Sociology or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/x)

In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) starting on 01.09.2026, we are looking for a doctoral researcher (m/f/x) on the theme of migration, time and urban inequalities with a focus on labour (for details see https://www.migrationtime.eu).

As part of our participation in the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Doctoral Network "MITIME: Entanglements of Migration and Time in Post-industrial Urban Europe", we are looking for a doctoral researcher (m/f/x) on the theme of migration, time and urban inqualities with a focus on labour (for details see https://www.migrationtime.eu).

The research will be carried out on “Navigating Frictions: How Migrants Respond to Time Regimes of Urban Labour Markets” and shall analyse how precarious work is related to temporal precarity, together with the resilience practices and contestation migrants develop in response. It specifically focuses on migrants’ workplace and everyday practices of resilience and contestation that respond to the temporal restrictions imposed on them and on their (voluntary and forced) spatial mobilities required by work and employment strategies. The research design uses biographical‑narrative interviews as well as visual methods, preferably in co‑creation with migrant research participants (e.g. photovoices or mental maps). Geographically the research investigates one or several different urban labour markets or branches in one or more post‑industrial cities, preferably in cities that are part of the MITIME consortium. The research may also concentrate on one specific migrant group (according to legal status and/or country of origin).

Position Details

• Scope: full‑time
• Duration: fixed‑term, 36 months
• Start: 01.09.2026
• Apply by: 2026-02-01

Your tasks:

• Conducting a research project within the defined framework (see above) and completing PhD thesis and/or journal articles on the results
• Participating in the courses and events of the MITIME training program as well as local PhD training
• Carry out secondments at Partner University and with the Associated Partner
• Contributing to the further development of the training program, publications, Mitime events and co‑creative city‑labs
• As the position is funded by external third‑party funding sources, employees are formally not required to take on teaching responsibilities. There will be an opportunity to teach one course during the period

Your profile:

• Completed university degree in Sociology, Social Anthropology, Social Geography or a related social science discipline (min. 8 semesters standard period of study)
• Selected candidates must provide their MA certificate by 15 April 2026
• Knowledge and experience in qualitative social science methods (e.g. in Master thesis or research seminars) are required
• Initial knowledge in migration studies and/or labour studies is desirable
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken) is required
• Proficiency in languages relevant to the research project is required (please specify in your application)
• Readiness for international mobility for conference travels and secondments is required
• Please see details on the consortium on this webpage, https://migrationtime.eu/ and check the selection criteria and eligibility rules including the mobility requirement

We offer:

Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings, Extensive training and professional development opportunities.

Further information:

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV‑L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade TVL E 13 TV‑L.

Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. If the position is funded by third‑party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.

Your application includes a motivation letter (max. 1 page, please mention the fulfillment of the mobility requirement in your motivation letter), Curriculum Vitae, Research Proposal (max. 2,000 words, excluding references), Transcripts and Certificates. For details see the application requirements at https://migrationtime.eu/criteria

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en

The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact [e-mail].

The Ruhr‑Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr‑Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

Contact persons for further information:

Prof. Dr. Margit Fauser
Tel.: [phone]

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-02-01. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5208.

Online application