At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on border security and analyse contracts while collaborating with leading academics.
- Company: University of Sheffield, a hub for innovative social science research.
- Benefits: Competitive leave, flexible working, generous pension, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and impactful research experience.
- Why this job: Join a groundbreaking project that explores the intersection of business and border control.
- Qualifications: Fluent in Danish, strong analytical skills, and a passion for social research.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
University of Sheffield
Working Pattern: Full time (35 hours per week)
Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences
School: School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations
Overview
Postdoctoral Research Associate – Danish speaker (Business of Bordering Project, ESRC funded). 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).
Project Description
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.
Responsibilities
- Build a database of border security tenders and contracts
- Identify the institutional mechanisms of democratic scrutiny and accountability of the business of bordering
- Undertake critical discourse analysis of policy texts
- Map stakeholders in the border security economy
- Conduct qualitative field research including elite and civil society interviews and participatory observation during border security sector events
- Carry out dissemination work
Qualifications
- Fluent in Danish and excellent English
- Ideally have 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 is beneficial
- Enthusiasm for in-depth independent desk-based compilation of data in spreadsheets
- Postdoctoral research experience or training will be provided
Benefits
Competitive annual leave entitlement (with the possibility to purchase more), generous pension scheme, flexible working opportunities, commitment to development and wellbeing, wide range of retail discounts, and additional benefits (details available upon request).
Research Associate - The Business of Bordering employer: University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Faculty of Social Sciences. As a Research Associate, you will benefit from competitive annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful research on border security in a supportive environment that prioritises employee development and wellbeing.
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 your connections in academia and related fields. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to chat about the Business of Bordering project. You never know who might have a lead or insight that could help you land that Research Associate role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous research, especially anything related to border security or public/private contracts. This will give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with financial datasets and qualitative research, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to connect with you right away. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up!
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 for the Research Associate position. Highlight your relevant experience with border security, data analysis, and any Danish language skills. We want to see how you fit into our project!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm shine through in your application! Talk about why you're interested in the Business of Bordering project and how your background aligns with our goals. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about their work.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the Business of Bordering project and understand its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the key players involved, like Dr. Lucy Mayblin and her collaborators. This will not only show your genuine interest 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 tasks in the past. This will demonstrate your capability and relevance for the role.
✨Brush Up on Danish
Since fluency in Danish is a requirement, practice speaking and writing in Danish before the interview. You might be asked to demonstrate your language skills, so being prepared will give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Qualitative Research Questions
Expect questions about your approach to qualitative field research and interviews. Think about your methodology and be ready to discuss how you would conduct interviews or participatory observations in the context of border security events.
