At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on private border security businesses and analyse financial datasets.
- Company: Join a collaborative team at the University of Sheffield and partner institutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for field research and academic presentations.
- Why this job: Make an impact in critical border studies while enhancing your research skills.
- Qualifications: PhD (or nearing completion) in social sciences, fluency in Danish and English required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 41064 € per year.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on the ESRC funded “The Business of Bordering” research 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 project, starting in September 2026, focuses on how the UK and Denmark experiment with, propagate and normalise private border security businesses. The role will concentrate on the Danish part of the project, requiring fluency in Danish, excellent English, and experience with financial datasets, public/private contract analysis, and company profiling. Training will be provided but a strong enthusiasm for independent desk‑based data compilation in spreadsheets is essential.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Reading and reviewing relevant literature.
- Building a dataset of border security contracts in the Danish context.
- Desk‑based policy analysis and stakeholder mapping in Danish and English.
- Undertaking qualitative field research, including elite interviews and observations at border security sector events.
- Attending and presenting at academic seminars, workshops and conferences.
- Assisting in writing the project website/blog, newsletters, reports and scholarly publications.
- Contributing to conference presentations, practitioner workshops and research advisory group meetings, and assisting in running them.
- Carrying out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification:
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.
Essential Requirements:
- PhD (or close to completion) in a relevant social science or humanities discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Fluency in the Danish language.
- Familiarity with relevant policy areas (Danish borders and immigration systems, other Danish government and policy systems).
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in both Danish and English.
- Excellent time‑management skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Familiarity with relevant research areas (critical border and migration studies, political economy, outsourcing, the arms trade, security technologies).
Desirable Requirements:
- Experience with financial data, for example using financial investigative journalism techniques or other relevant approaches.
- Experience with stakeholder mapping.
- Experience with policy discourse analysis.
Further Information:
- Grade: 7
- Salary: £38,784 – £41,064 per annum
- Work arrangement: Full‑time
- Duration: From 1 September 2026 for 30 months
- Line manager: Project PI
- Website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/spir
Contact:
For more information about the project, please contact Lucy Mayblin (l.mayblin@sheffield.ac.uk).
Disability Confident Leader: We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Research Associate - The Business of Bordering in Sheffield employer: Diversity Dashboard
At the University of Sheffield, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work culture. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have access to extensive training opportunities, collaborative projects with leading academics, and the chance to contribute to impactful research in a vibrant academic community. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that every voice is heard, making this an ideal environment for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - The Business of Bordering in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the project. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with financial datasets and policy analysis. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Brush up on your Danish and English communication skills. You want to be confident when discussing your ideas and experiences, especially in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to the exciting research ahead.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - The Business of Bordering in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience, especially in financial datasets and policy analysis. We want to see how your background aligns with the project’s focus on border security.
Show Off Your Language Skills:Since fluency in Danish is essential, don’t forget to showcase your language skills prominently. Include examples of your work in both Danish and English to demonstrate your proficiency.
Highlight Your Research Experience:We’re looking for someone with a strong research background. Be sure to mention any previous projects or experiences that relate to critical border studies or similar fields. This will help us see your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the 'Business of Bordering' project. Familiarise yourself with the key themes, especially around private border security businesses in Denmark. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you engage meaningfully during discussions.
✨Showcase Your Language Skills
Since fluency in Danish is essential, be prepared to demonstrate your language skills during the interview. You might be asked to discuss your research or experiences in Danish, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly in both Danish and English.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Bring up any experience you have with financial datasets, policy analysis, or stakeholder mapping. Be specific about your past projects and how they relate to the role. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to the team right away.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the project and the team. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is a good fit for you. Consider asking about the methodologies used in the research or the types of stakeholders you’ll be engaging with.
