PhD Fellow for Sociology of Law Research Project (TRANSLAW) at Aalborg University – Denmark

Summary

Aalborg University is inviting applications for a 3-year PhD fellowship in the Sociology of Law, starting January 15, 2027, or soon thereafter. Based at the Department of Law in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the position is part of the TRANSLAW research project funded by the Danish Independent Research Fund. The PhD candidate will conduct qualitative research—including interviews and observations in Copenhagen—to investigate how interactions between non-Danish EU citizens experiencing homelessness and support professionals influence the implementation of EU social rights. Candidates must hold a relevant Master's degree in law or social sciences. The application deadline is November 1, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Law (Juridisk Institut)
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Sociology of Law / Law / Social Sciences
Research Area	Translation of EU social rights into practice, focusing on non-Danish EU citizens experiencing homelessness
Degree Required	Master's degree in law or other relevant social science fields
Experience	Experience conducting observations and interviews, as well as processing and analysing qualitative data.
Salary	Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement for academics in the state (overenskomst for akademikere i staten).
Funding	Danish Independent Research Fund (Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond)
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	Danish and English
Deadline	2026-11-01
Required Documents	Application stating reasons for applying and qualifications, CV, Diplomas (master's and bachelor's degree diploma, including grades), Project description (minimum 5 pages), Master's thesis or other significant written work, Language test documentation (if applicable), Other relevant documentation
Employer Address	Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7K, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
Employer Contact	Stine Piilgaard Porner Nielsen (+4599409700, [email protected])

About the Project

The TRANSLAW project investigates how EU-level social rights are translated into national practice. It maps applicable legal frameworks to identify opportunities and obstacles for non-Danish EU citizens experiencing homelessness in Copenhagen. The PhD fellow's specific project explores how daily interactions between these individuals and support professionals, alongside their personal experiences with the law, affect the practical realization of EU social rights.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete an independent scientific PhD project within three years
• Conduct qualitative research involving observations and interviews with professionals and non-Danish EU citizens experiencing homelessness in Copenhagen
• Undertake teaching tasks in Danish or English
• Acquire approximately 30 ECTS through research courses
• Complete an external research stay, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution
• Participate in department activities, research group meetings, and present at international conferences

Required Skills

• Ability to express oneself effectively in writing
• Experience conducting observations, interviews, and analyzing qualitative data
• Knowledge of sociology of law and relevant theoretical frameworks
• Knowledge of issues surrounding homelessness
• English language proficiency (IELTS minimum 7.0 or TOEFL internet-based minimum 100 if writing dissertation in English without a native or English-taught background)

Who Should Apply

Applicants holding a Master's degree in law or related social science disciplines with strong written skills (demonstrated by a grade of 10 or higher on their written thesis) should apply. Ideal candidates have experience in qualitative methods such as interviews and observations, knowledge of sociology of law theories, and an interest in legal regulation regarding homelessness.

Benefits

• Employment according to state collective agreements for academics
• Inclusion in a research environment with strong cohesion
• Opportunity to present research at international conferences
• Support for a 3-6 month external research stay abroad

About the Employer

The Department of Law at Aalborg University provides an educational and research environment focused on addressing societal issues. Aalborg University employs over 3,700 staff across campuses in Aalborg, Esbjerg, and Copenhagen, emphasizing real-world applications and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is November 1, 2026.

What is the expected start date and duration of the fellowship?

The position starts on January 15, 2027, or soon thereafter, for a duration of 3 years.

What degree is required to apply?

Applicants must hold a Master's degree in law or a relevant social science field.

Is an external research stay required during the PhD?

Yes, candidates are expected to complete an external research stay outside Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign institution.

Where will the qualitative research fieldwork take place?

The fieldwork involving interviews and observations will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark.