PhD Research Positions

• Wann 14.04.2025 to 09.05.2025 (Europe/Berlin / UTC200)

At the University of Göttingen -Public Law Foundation-, RTG 2987 Mobility rights in the Global Context of Multiple Crises, there are positions as

10 PhD researchers (all genders welcome)

to be filled. Starting date is 10/1/2025. The position is limited to four years (until 30 September 2029).

Research Training Group (RTG) Mobility Rights in the Global Context of Multiple Crises

Research Focus: Our RTG examines how mobility rights are being defined, challenged and transformed during a time when migration is often framed as a crisis. We investigate these developments on the basis of diverse regional and thematic perspectives.

Interdisciplinary Approach: As a PhD researcher, you will conduct your own research project related to one of our key research areas (RAs, see below). By engaging with different disciplinary perspectives from the Social Sciences, Cultural Science as well as Law Studies, you will learn to understand legal dynamics and complexities in diverse migration policy-related fields. Our goal is to develop an innovative socio-legal framework which recognises how legal systems and societies shape one another.

What we offer:

• Personalised supervision and disciplinary training
• Collaborative interdisciplinary coursework
• Career-development support and mentorship
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity
• Exchange with international experts, including two distinguished judges

The University of Göttingen and its Centre for Global Migration Studies, among other bodies, offer a vibrant research environment and access to different networks – from the local level for fieldwork or internship opportunities to international partnerships supporting research stays abroad.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates who wish to conduct their PhD training in a rich interdisciplinary environment. Previous research experience in collaborative contexts is beneficial. Successful applicants are expected to work together with others in this interdisciplinary environment by, among other things, sharing their own disciplinary perspectives, preliminary research insights as well as data with peers. They are also able to convince via excellent critical-thinking and communication skills.

Meeting the following prerequisites is expected:

• Degree: Completed academic university degree (Master’s or equivalent, rated good or very good) in the following (or related) disciplines: Sociology, Political Science, International Relations, Global Governance, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology / European Ethnology, Philosophy, Intercultural German Studies, Criminology, Law, Human Geography, Human Rights Studies and similar.
• Language skills: Fluency in spoken and written English, as the RTG’s main working language. German or other language skills when required for the individual research proposal.
• Admission to the Doctoral Programme: Fulfillment of all requirements regarding the doctoral regulations in the respective discipline. Please check the requirements for your respective discipline here: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/696117.html.
• Research Proposal: Must be innovative, feasible and self-designed. Making a relevant contribution to the RTG’s overall foci as well as one or more of our research areas (RAs, see below) should be demonstrated, including via the promising implementation of cross-disciplinary socio-legal perspectives.
• Subject-specific or methodological skills: Fulfillment of all requirements to conduct research in the relevant RAs (see below). Please check the requirements in the description(s) of the RA(s) you would like to contribute to.

Supporting material to be submitted (in English or German):

• CV
• Application letter (max. 1 page) stating your motivation for completing a doctorate as part of the RTG
• An outline of the proposed project (max. 2 pages). Please clearly indicate which RA(s) you wish to contribute to. You can submit up to two different research proposals should you wish to apply for more than one RA.
• A writing sample (10 pages in length, e.g. an excerpt from a Master’s thesis or other publications)
• A list of publications (if applicable)
• Proof of language skills (if required), such as relevant certificates
• Certificate of the academic university degree
• Names and contact information for two references
• Answers to the questions listed in the application portal

Further information:

• To introduce the RTG and answer questions in relation to the application process, there will be an online information event held from 12 noon to 1pm (CET) on 25 April 2025. To register, please send an email to: rtg2987[ at ]uni-goettingen.de.
• If you have any questions regarding the advertised positions or RAs, please contact the main supervisor(s) involved (see the RA descriptions below).
• Interviews are expected to take place on 13, 20 or 27 June 2025. Depending on geographic distance and practical feasibility, applicants will be invited to attend interviews either in person or online. Travel expenses can be reimbursed up to an amount of 300 euros.

RTG 2987 is strongly committed to promoting equal opportunities and diversity. We consider diversity and a diversity of perspectives as particularly enriching of our work, especially from among those underrepresented in academia (or some of the disciplines involved in the RTG’s work). We therefore welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of gender, social status, religion, ethnic origin, nationality or migration background.

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.