Doctoral Position in International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER) – Malmö University

Malmö University is inviting applications for one doctoral student position in International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER) within the ERC Starting Grant project Give Rights. This opportunity is hosted by the Faculty of Culture and Society, Department of Global Political Studies.

About Malmö University

• Innovative, urban, and internationally oriented institution.
• Strong commitment to societal development through high-quality education and research.
• Multidisciplinary faculty and research centers fostering collaboration across disciplines.
• Inclusive workplace promoting gender equality and equal opportunities.

Position Overview

• Title: Doctoral Student in International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER).
• Faculty: Culture and Society.
• Department: Global Political Studies (GPS).
• Research Centre: Malmö Institute for Migration Studies (MIM).
• Reference Number: P 2025/2917.
• Start Date: 1 September 2026.
• Application Deadline: 18 January 2026.

Work Duties

• Primary focus: doctoral studies leading to a PhD degree.
• Doctoral education comprises 240 credits (four years full-time).
• Combination of coursework and independent research project culminating in a thesis.
• Active participation in:
  • Research seminars.
  • Project meetings.
  • Common academic activities.
• Limited teaching, research, or administrative tasks allowed (up to 20% of full-time).

Qualifications

General Entry Requirements

• Second-cycle qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent).
• At least 240 credits, with 60 credits at second-cycle level.
• Equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or abroad also accepted.

Specific Entry Requirements

• Degree in IMER or another relevant subject.
• Equivalent knowledge gained through academic or professional experience.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be assessed on:

• Independent analysis and approach in previous work.
• Problem formulation and precision in research plans.
• Methodological and scholarly maturity.

Project-specific criteria:

• Demonstrable knowledge in one or more of the following:
  • Undocumented migration.
  • Sanctuary cities.
  • Migrant rights.
  • Welfare/social rights.
  • Activism, unions, or social movements.
  • Human rights.
• Ability to conduct research interviews.
• Proficiency in Dutch is considered an advantage.

The GIVE RIGHTS Project

• Funded by an ERC Starting Grant.
• Focus: rights claims of undocumented migrants and welfare professionals’ resistance to migration control.
• Key themes:
  • Migrants’ “right to have rights” (Hannah Arendt).
  • Welfare professionals’ “right to give rights.”
• Comparative research across Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK.
• Methods include:
  • Survey data.
  • Policy mapping.
  • Media analysis.
  • Participant observation.
  • Focus groups and expert interviews.

Doctoral student responsibilities:

• Conduct research in the Netherlands on welfare professionals’ approaches to undocumented migrants.
• Collaborate with GIVE RIGHTS researchers.
• Contribute to Dutch media study and survey distribution.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae with up to three professional references.
• Certified diplomas, transcripts, and certificates relevant to the position.
• Research statement (max 2000 words, excluding references) including:
  • Contribution to GIVE RIGHTS project and Dutch case study.
  • Outline of potential PhD thesis (purpose, questions, theoretical framework, methodology, challenges, materials).
  • Personal reflection on previous research experience and interest in IMER.
• Independent work at advanced level (Master’s thesis or equivalent).

Employment Conditions

• Fixed-term doctoral studentship of four years (full-time).
• Initial appointment limited to one year, renewable up to two years at a time.
• Salary set according to Malmö University’s local agreement for doctoral students.
• Inclusive policies:
  • Priority for underrepresented genders if equally qualified.
  • Support for doctoral students with permanent disabilities.
• Non-Swedish speakers encouraged to learn Swedish during employment.
• Residence permit required for non-EU applicants.

How to Apply

• Applications must be submitted via Malmö University’s recruitment system.
• Deadline: 18 January 2026.
• Accepted languages: Swedish, English, or any Nordic language.
• Ensure all documents are translated if necessary.

Why Apply?

This doctoral position offers:

• A chance to contribute to cutting-edge migration research.
• Collaboration with international scholars and networks.
• Opportunity to influence debates on human rights and welfare in Europe.
• A supportive, inclusive, and globally connected academic environment.