At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project analysing border security and its business implications.
- Company: Collaborative research team at the University of Sheffield and partners.
- Benefits: Gain valuable research experience and contribute to impactful studies.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic research environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique project shaping the future of border control research.
- Qualifications: Fluent in Danish, strong analytical skills, and interest in border issues.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Danish speaking postdoctoral researcher to join the ESRC funded Business of Bordering Project. The postholder will work under the supervision of Dr. Lucy Mayblin (University of Sheffield), in collaboration with Dr. Joe Turner (University of York) and Dr. Martin Lemberg-Pedersen (University of Southern Denmark). The Business of Bordering project, starting in September 2026, will focus on the wide range of companies, contracted directly or indirectly by governments, to contribute to border control. The research will focus on the UK and Denmark and how these states are experimenting with, propagating and normalising private border security businesses in their national contexts.
Project Work
- Building a database of border security tenders and contracts;
- Identifying the institutional mechanisms of democratic scrutiny and accountability of the business of bordering;
- Undertaking critical discourse analysis of policy texts;
- Mapping stakeholders in the border security economy;
- Conducting qualitative field research entailing elite and civil society interviews and participatory observation during border security sector events;
- Dissemination work.
Role and Responsibilities
This post is for a postdoctoral Research Associate (postdoc) to focus on the Danish part of the research.
Candidate Requirements
- Fluent in Danish and excellent English;
- Knowledge and experience of working with financial datasets, analysis of public/private contracts, and company profiles;
- Experience of studying border and immigration regimes, the arms trade, or military industrial complex would be beneficial;
- Training will be provided, but enthusiasm for in depth independent desk based compilation of data in spreadsheets is essential.
For more information about the project please contact Lucy Mayblin (l.mayblin@sheffield.ac.uk).
Research Associate - The Business of Bordering employer: britsoccrim
Join a dynamic research environment at the University of Sheffield, where you will contribute to groundbreaking work on border security in collaboration with esteemed institutions. Our supportive culture fosters professional growth and encourages innovative thinking, while the opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders enhances your research experience. Located in a vibrant academic community, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the field of border studies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - The Business of Bordering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to border security or academia. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the project and its key players. Knowing Dr. Lucy Mayblin's work or the specifics of the Business of Bordering project will show you're genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your previous research or data analysis work to the table. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can contribute to the project.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - The Business of Bordering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for the Research Associate role. We want to see how your background aligns with the Business of Bordering project, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Show Off Your Language Skills:Since fluency in Danish is a must, be sure to emphasise your language abilities in your application. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively in both Danish and English, so let us know how you’ve used these skills in your previous work.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve worked with financial datasets or have experience in border and immigration regimes, make it known! We love seeing candidates who can bring valuable insights to our research, so share any relevant projects or studies you've been involved in.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at britsoccrim
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the Business of Bordering project and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the key players involved, like Dr. Lucy Mayblin and her collaborators. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you ask insightful questions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with financial datasets and public/private contracts. Prepare specific examples of how you've handled similar data analysis tasks in the past. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Brush Up on Relevant Topics
Since the role involves studying border and immigration regimes, make sure you’re up-to-date with current discussions and trends in this area. Being able to reference recent developments will highlight your passion and knowledge in the field.
✨Practice Your Danish
As fluency in Danish is a requirement, consider practising your language skills before the interview. You might even want to prepare some answers or questions in Danish to showcase your proficiency and confidence.
