PhD Student Vacancy in Geography (University of Luxembourg)

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide. 

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences. People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed.

The faculty’s research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society. The FHSE offers four Bachelor and 15 Master degrees and a doctoral school providing students with the necessary knowledge and high-qualified skills to succeed in their future career.

Your Role...

The successful candidate is expected to submit a PhD thesis after 3 years under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Birte Nienaber. He/she will:

  • Conduct research in the frame of the PhD thesis
  • Write the PhD thesis in the field of migration, intra-European mobility, integration, asylum and/or reception
  • Participate in the UL Doctoral School in Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Disseminate PhD results at international conferences
  • Support teaching in the Master in Border Studies and Master in Geography and Spatial Planning
  • Publish academic articles in peer-reviewed journals
  • Perform any other task within the framework of the position
What we expect from you…
  • M.Sc. (or equivalent) in Geography, Border Studies, Migration Studies, or any other related field
  • Knowledge in the field of migration studies
  • Knowledge in the field of border studies would be an advantage
  • Ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team
  • Experience in qualitative research methods will be an asset

As the candidate will have to work in a multilingual context, he/she must be fluent in English (written and spoken) and French or German (written and spoken).

We offer...

  • The doctoral candidate will work in the international environment of the University of Luxembourg
  • He/she will join a dynamic and well-equipped research environment
  • He/she will receive intensive training in scientific and transferable skills, participation in conferences and workshops
  • He/she will be enrolled as a PhD student in the UL Doctoral School in Humanities and Social Sciences
  • He/She will have the opportunity to work closely with migration experts in Europe
  • He/She will work with an international and interdisciplinary team
In Short...
  • Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
  • Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
  • Earliest starting date: September 2022
  • Location: Belval
  • Employee and student status
  • Job Reference: UOL05066

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 38.028,96 (full time)

How to apply...

Applications should be submitted online and include:

  • Letter of motivation in English (including abstract of PhD project idea)
  • Curriculum vitae in English
  • Copies of diplomas/records of transcript
  • List of publications (if available)

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

Here’s what awaits you at the University
  • Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR). 
  • A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
  • A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …
Further information...

Link to the call 

Prof. Dr. Birte Nienaber

E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: +352 46 66 44-9318