Doctoral Researcher (m/f/x)

Stellenbeschreibung:

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/x)

In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) starting on , we are looking for a doctoral researcher (m/f/x) on the theme of migration, time and urban inequalities with a focus on labour (for details see

As part of our participation in the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Doctoral Network "MITIME: Entanglements of Migration and Time in Post-industrial Urban Europe", we are looking for a doctoral researcher (m/f/x) on the theme of migration, time and urban inqualities with a focus on labour (for details see

The research will be carried out on “Navigating Frictions: How Migrants Respond to Time Regimes of Urban Labour Markets” and shall analyse how precarious work is related to temporal precarity, together with the resilience practices and contestation migrants develop in response. It specifically focuses on migrants’ workplace and everyday practices of resilience and contestation that respond to the temporal restrictions imposed on them and on their (voluntary and forced) spatial mobilities required by work and employment strategies. The research design uses biographical‑narrative interviews as well as visual methods, preferably in co‑creation with migrant research participants (e.g. photovoices or mental maps). Geographically the research investigates one or several different urban labour markets or branches in one or more post‑industrial cities, preferably in cities that are part of the MITIME consortium. The research may also concentrate on one specific migrant group (according to legal status and/or country of origin).

Position Details

Scope: full‑time
Duration: fixed‑term, 36 months
Start:
Apply by:

Your tasks:

Conducting a research project within the defined framework (see above) and completing PhD thesis and/or journal articles on the results
Participating in the courses and events of the MITIME training program as well as local PhD training
Carry out secondments at Partner University and with the Associated Partner
Contributing to the further development of the training program, publications, Mitime events and co‑creative city‑labs
As the position is funded by external third‑party funding sources, employees are formally not required to take on teaching responsibilities. There will be an opportunity to teach one course during the period

Your profile:

Completed university degree in Sociology, Social Anthropology, Social Geography or a related social science discipline (min. 8 semesters standard period of study)
Selected candidates must provide their MA certificate by 15 April 2026
Knowledge and experience in qualitative social science methods (e.g. in Master thesis or research seminars) are required
Initial knowledge in migration studies and/or labour studies is desirable
Excellent command of English (written and spoken) is required
Proficiency in languages relevant to the research project is required (please specify in your application)
Readiness for international mobility for conference travels and secondments is required
Please see details on the consortium on this webpage, and check the selection criteria and eligibility rules including the mobility requirement

We offer:

Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings, Extensive training and professional development opportunities.

Further information:

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV‑L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade TVL E 13 TV‑L.

Further information can be found at (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. If the position is funded by third‑party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.

Your application includes a motivation letter (max. 1 page, please mention the fulfillment of the mobility requirement in your motivation letter), Curriculum Vitae, Research Proposal (max. 2,000 words, excluding references), Transcripts and Certificates. For details see the application requirements at

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF).

The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact

The Ruhr‑Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr‑Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.