Postdoc in Quantitative Methods Migration and Globalisation in University for Continuing Education Krems – Austria

Summary

The University for Continuing Education Krems is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Methods for the ERC-funded project "MixedRivals". This full-time, two-year temporary position, starting January 1, 2027, involves leading quantitative survey research on migration and inter-group relations in North Africa. The successful candidate will design and implement online surveys, analyze data, contribute to theoretical development, and publish in international journals. A PhD in a relevant social science discipline, advanced quantitative methods expertise, and a strong publication record are required. The role offers a gross monthly salary of EUR 5014.30 (14 times per year) and a flexible, international working environment. The application deadline is October 7, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department for Migration and Globalisation
Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline	Political sciences, Science and society, Sociology, Societal behaviour, Psychological sciences
Research Area	Migration and inter-group relations in North Africa
Degree Required	PhD in political science, conflict studies, social psychology or a related social science discipline
Experience	Advanced expertise in quantitative methods, demonstrated experience in online surveys and survey experiments, strong publication record, experience in international collaborative research projects (desirable)
Salary	EUR 5014.30 gross per month, paid 14 times per year
Funding	ERC-funded research project MixedRivals
Contract Duration	Initially limited to two years
Language	English (minimum C1)
Deadline	2026-10-07
Required Documents	Curriculum Vitae including publication list and contact details for two or three references, Motivation letter, Two writing samples, A brief description of your previous survey research experience, Copies of degrees and transcripts
Employer Address	Dr Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500 Krems an der Donau, Austria
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The ERC project "Mixed arrivals: Perceptions of Threat, Inequality and the Risk of Violence between Different Forced Migrant Groups in North Africa" (MixedRivals) investigates the relationships between different forced migrant groups and the conditions that lead to conflict or foster solidarity and social cohesion. It specifically examines how perceived threats, inequalities, and competition influence inter-migrant relations and their potential contribution to social tensions, violence, or cohesion. The project uses a comparative mixed-methods design, combining qualitative and quantitative research across five North African cities. Currently in its third year, it is expanding its quantitative component across Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt, utilizing survey research and embedded survey experiments.

Key Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in the design, implementation, and analysis of quantitative survey research on migration and inter-group relations in North Africa.
• Co-lead the quantitative research across Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt.
• Contribute to the project’s theoretical development.
• Develop high-quality international publications from the resulting data.
• Design and implement online surveys and embedded survey experiments in LimeSurvey.
• Lead questionnaire development in close consultation with the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Coordinate survey implementation across Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco, including social media-based participant recruitment.
• Lead the analysis of survey and experimental data using advanced quantitative methods.
• Oversee the implementation of face-to-face surveys in cooperation with a survey company in Morocco.
• Ensure high standards of data quality, research ethics compliance, and data management.
• Contribute to and co-manage the coding of de facto forced migration policy data.
• Develop and submit at least two articles to leading international peer-reviewed journals based on the survey data in co-authorship with the PI.
• Contribute to theoretical development within the project and to further publications arising from MixedRivals.
• Present project findings at international conferences, workshops, and other academic events.
• Contribute actively to project meetings, workshops, project documentation, and grant reporting.
• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary and international research team.

Required Skills

• Completed PhD in political science, conflict studies, social psychology or a related social science discipline (awarded by 15th of December 2026)
• Advanced expertise in quantitative methods, including inferential statistics and causal inference
• Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation and analysis of online surveys and survey experiments
• Advanced quantitative skills in R and/or Stata
• A strong publication record in international peer-reviewed journals appropriate to career stage
• Excellent analytical and academic writing skills
• Excellent command of English (minimum C1), both written and spoken
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research team
• Willingness to relocate to Austria and work regularly on site at Campus Krems

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for an established researcher with a completed PhD in political science, conflict studies, social psychology, or a related social science discipline. Applicants should have advanced expertise in quantitative methods, including inferential statistics and causal inference, and demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and analyzing online surveys and survey experiments. A strong publication record in international peer-reviewed journals and excellent English communication skills are essential. Candidates willing to relocate to Austria and work on-site are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Full-time position (40 hours/week)
• Minimum salary of EUR 5014.30 gross per month, paid 14 times per year
• Classification as a scientific project staff member according to § 49 VwGr B1 of the Collective Agreement for University Staff
• Innovative and international working environment at Campus Krems
• Flexible working hours and the option to work from home by agreement with line manager
• Comprehensive training, professional development, and coaching opportunities
• Family-friendly working conditions and services supporting work-life balance
• Workplace health promotion programmes
• Range of activities offered by the University Sports Institute (USI)

About the Employer

The University for Continuing Education Krems specializes in part-time academic continuing education. As a public university, it uses its expertise in teaching and research to address societal challenges. It combines extensive experience in academic continuing education with innovation and high-quality standards in research and teaching. The university employs around 700 individuals, offering an inspiring and flexible working environment in the Wachau World Heritage region. It values diversity and is committed to it as a guiding principle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the start date for this position?

The position is expected to start on January 1, 2027.

What is the duration of the contract?

The contract is initially limited to two years.

What is the required language proficiency?

An excellent command of English, minimum C1 level, both written and spoken, is required.

Is relocation to Austria required for this role?

Yes, willingness to relocate to Austria and work regularly on site at Campus Krems is required.

What is the main focus of the MixedRivals project?

The MixedRivals project investigates relations between different forced migrant groups and the conditions under which these relations become conflictual or foster solidarity and social cohesion, particularly examining perceived threats, inequalities, and competition.

What software experience is desirable for this role?

Experience with LimeSurvey or comparable survey software, and knowledge of qualitative analysis software such as MAXQDA, are desirable.