At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on private border security businesses in Denmark and the UK.
- Company: Join a collaborative team at leading universities focused on impactful research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time contract, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic research environment with opportunities to present at conferences.
- Why this job: Make a difference in understanding border security and its implications.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. or nearing completion in social sciences, fluent in Danish and English.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 41064 € per year.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (postdoc) 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 assesses the role of private border security businesses in the UK and Denmark.
Project Focus
From September 2026, the research will focus on Danish companies contracted by governments to support border control, involving data collection, institutional analysis, critical discourse analysis, stakeholder mapping, and qualitative fieldwork.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Reading and reviewing relevant literature.
- Building a dataset of Danish border security contracts.
- Desk‑based policy analysis and stakeholder mapping in Danish and English.
- Undertaking qualitative field research, including elite interviews and observations at sector events.
- Attending and presenting at academic seminars, workshops and conferences.
- Assisting in writing project website/blog, newsletters, reports and scholarly publications.
- Contributing to conference presentations, practitioner workshops and research advisory group meetings.
- Performing other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Qualifications and Experience
- Your Ph.D. (or close to completion) in a social science or humanities discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Fluency in Danish and excellent written and oral communication skills in both Danish and English.
- Solid familiarity with Danish borders and immigration systems, and broader policy areas.
- Strong time‑management skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Familiarity with critical border and migration studies, political economy, outsourcing, arms trade and security technologies.
- Experience with financial data (e.g., investigative journalism techniques).
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience with stakeholder mapping.
- Experience with policy discourse analysis.
Salary and Terms
Grade 7 salary: £38,784 – £41,064. Full‑time, 30‑month contract from 1 September 2026. Work arrangement: full‑time, reporting to the Project Principal Investigator.
Equity and Inclusion
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applications from individuals with disabilities who meet the essential criteria.
Research Associate - The Business of Bordering in Sheffield employer: The University of Sheffield
As a leading research institution, we offer an enriching environment for our Postdoctoral Research Associates, fostering collaboration with esteemed academics across multiple universities. Our commitment to equity and inclusion ensures that all voices are heard, while our focus on impactful research provides meaningful opportunities for professional growth and development in the field of border studies. Located in vibrant academic hubs, our team enjoys access to extensive resources and networking opportunities that enhance both personal and professional advancement.
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
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 your academic contacts and attend relevant seminars or workshops. You never know who might have a lead on a position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your research work, including any publications or presentations. This will help you stand out when you get the chance to chat with potential employers.
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Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to researchers or institutions you admire and express your interest in their work. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised yet.
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Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new openings and get tips tailored to your field.
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 application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific requirements of the Research Associate role. We want to see how you fit into the project, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since fluency in both Danish and English is key, ensure your written application reflects your strong communication abilities. Use clear, concise language and make sure to proofread for any errors – we love a polished application!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with qualitative research, policy analysis, or stakeholder mapping. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you’ve done that’s relevant to the project.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the 'Business of Bordering' project. Familiarise yourself with the key themes, methodologies, and objectives outlined in the job description. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Brush Up on Your Danish
Since fluency in Danish is a key requirement, practice speaking and writing in Danish before the interview. Prepare to discuss your previous work or research in both Danish and English, as this will demonstrate your communication skills effectively.
✨Prepare for Qualitative Questions
Expect questions related to qualitative fieldwork and stakeholder mapping. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully conducted interviews or gathered data. Be ready to discuss your approach and any challenges you faced.
✨Showcase Your Time Management Skills
The role requires strong time-management abilities. Prepare to share specific instances where you managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. Highlight how you prioritised your workload and met deadlines, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
