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: Exciting opportunity for career development in a supportive academic environment.
- 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 in Sheffield 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. With a strong commitment to employee development and wellbeing, this role provides a unique opportunity to grow professionally in a supportive academic environment.
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 University of Sheffield or the Business of Bordering project. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the project’s themes. Brush up on border security, public/private contracts, and the role of companies in this space. Show us you’re not just interested, but passionate about the research!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
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 for the Research Associate role. Highlight your experience with border security, data analysis, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with the Business of Bordering project!
Show Off Your Language Skills:Since fluency in Danish is a must, don’t forget to mention your language proficiency clearly. If you have any experience using Danish in a professional or academic setting, let us know! It’ll definitely give you an edge.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When discussing your past roles, be specific about your responsibilities and achievements. If you've worked with financial datasets or conducted qualitative research, share those details. We love seeing concrete examples of your work!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Brush Up on Your 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 and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be ready to discuss any previous work related to border security, immigration regimes, or data analysis. Prepare specific examples that highlight your skills in handling financial datasets or conducting qualitative research, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the project and their expectations. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. It’s a two-way street!
