Postdoc in Critical Migration Studies at the Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC), non-tenured 2-year position
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Postdoc in Critical Migration Studies at the Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC), non-tenured 2-year position
The position
The postdoc position is part of the EU project CMD: The Crisis of Migration Discourse – A Participatory approach for a new lexicon of Migration. CMD engages with the impact of discourses and policies that construct migration through the lens of crises on people using unauthorised routes to enter the EU and the UK and who as a result are illegalised. To do so, CMD posits illegalised migrants as agents of change working with them to impact the current narratives on migration and related practices and to enhance intercultural exchanges.
The project is carried out in three successive modules across five European countries (Italy, France, Denmark, Spain, and the United Kingdom). Module 1, ‘Construction’, examines how institutional narratives and data production link migration to crises, illegality, and criminality and construct a hegemonic lexicon of migration that illegalises specific types of migration while framing others as ‘meriting’ recognition (proof of deservingness). In module 2, ‘Deconstruction’, we will collaborate with illegalised migrants to test alternatives to discourses of deservingness. Working with illegalised migrants, CMD will co-create an alternative lexicon of migration that challenges and deconstructs the current hegemonic lexicon of migration and is informed by their own experiences and narratives of displacement. Module 3, ‘Reconstruction’, engages in intercultural exchanges with stakeholders in education, journalism, and advocacy to create and disseminate a just lexicon of migration. It proceeds to further develop, test and disseminate educational resources in the form of a toolkit for action and a training programme to enhance the intercultural competence of stakeholders working in the above-specified fields.
The postdoc at CBS will primarily be responsible for module 2 (in the Danish context), tasked with liaising with Danish CSOs, developing, executing and documenting workshops with illegalized migrants, as well as publishing on the processes and outcomes of the workshops in both academic and non-academic outlets. The selected candidate will work closely with Associate Professor Anne Vestergaard as well as the wider CMD research team.
We are particularly interested in applicants with a strong affinity for participatory research and experience in working systematically with such methods. Candidates with experience from engaging with vulnerable populations, addressing sensitive issues and/or with personal migration experiences will be preferred.
The Postdoc position is a non-tenured position for a period of 2 years. To fulfill the research requirements of the position, the selected candidate is expected to be physically present on a regular basis and actively participate in the research activities at the Department.
The Department
MSC brings together scholars from a range of research areas within management, communication and the broader social sciences and humanities, studying organizations in global environments and the interaction and interdependencies of business, society and government. They share a common interest in studying organizations in global environments and the relations of organizations to the wider society, including decision-making at consumer level. Information about the department may be found at www.cbs.dk/msc.
Qualifications
The applicant must hold a PhD or the equivalent. In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed on research potential and research relevant to the job description.
Copenhagen Business School has a broad commitment to the excellence, distinctiveness and relevance of its teaching and research programmes. Candidates who wish to join us should demonstrate enthusiasm for working in an organisation of this type.
The position is based in Copenhagen. The selected candidate ideally starts in March 2026 but there is some flexibility.
Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Finance’s agreement with the Central Academic Organisation.
Application
Applications are to be sent via the electronic recruitment system, using the link below:
Application must include:
Recruitment procedure
The Recruitment Committee will shortlist a minimum of two applicants; when possible five or more applicants will be shortlisted. The shortlisted applicants will be assessed by the Assessment Committee. All applicants will be notified of their status in the recruitment process shortly after the application deadline.
The applicants selected for assessment will be notified about the composition of the Assessment Committee and later in the process about the result of the assessment.
Once the recruitment process is completed each applicant will be notified of the outcome of their application.
Application deadline: December 10th, 2025
Copenhagen Business School must receive all application material, including all appendices (see items above), by the application deadline.
Copenhagen Business School invites all qualified candidates to apply for the position. An appointment committee will review the applications and invite a selection of qualified candidates to an interview.
One of CBS’ strategic goals is the promotion of diversity, which is why every effort has been made to ensure a recruitment process that reduces potential bias. Applicants are therefore encouraged not to include a photo or unnecessary personal information in their application.
Details about Copenhagen Business School and the department are available at www.cbs.dk.
For further information regarding the position please contact: Associate Prof. Anne Vestergaard, email: av.msc@cbs.dk.
For information regarding the hiring process please contact: HR-Coordinator Rikke Petersen, email: rpe.msc@cbs.dk
The postdoc position is part of the EU project CMD: The Crisis of Migration Discourse – A Participatory approach for a new lexicon of Migration. CMD engages with the impact of discourses and policies that construct migration through the lens of crises on people using unauthorised routes to enter the EU and the UK and who as a result are illegalised. To do so, CMD posits illegalised migrants as agents of change working with them to impact the current narratives on migration and related practices and to enhance intercultural exchanges.
The project is carried out in three successive modules across five European countries (Italy, France, Denmark, Spain, and the United Kingdom). Module 1, ‘Construction’, examines how institutional narratives and data production link migration to crises, illegality, and criminality and construct a hegemonic lexicon of migration that illegalises specific types of migration while framing others as ‘meriting’ recognition (proof of deservingness). In module 2, ‘Deconstruction’, we will collaborate with illegalised migrants to test alternatives to discourses of deservingness. Working with illegalised migrants, CMD will co-create an alternative lexicon of migration that challenges and deconstructs the current hegemonic lexicon of migration and is informed by their own experiences and narratives of displacement. Module 3, ‘Reconstruction’, engages in intercultural exchanges with stakeholders in education, journalism, and advocacy to create and disseminate a just lexicon of migration. It proceeds to further develop, test and disseminate educational resources in the form of a toolkit for action and a training programme to enhance the intercultural competence of stakeholders working in the above-specified fields.
The postdoc at CBS will primarily be responsible for module 2 (in the Danish context), tasked with liaising with Danish CSOs, developing, executing and documenting workshops with illegalized migrants, as well as publishing on the processes and outcomes of the workshops in both academic and non-academic outlets. The selected candidate will work closely with Associate Professor Anne Vestergaard as well as the wider CMD research team.
We are particularly interested in applicants with a strong affinity for participatory research and experience in working systematically with such methods. Candidates with experience from engaging with vulnerable populations, addressing sensitive issues and/or with personal migration experiences will be preferred.
The Postdoc position is a non-tenured position for a period of 2 years. To fulfill the research requirements of the position, the selected candidate is expected to be physically present on a regular basis and actively participate in the research activities at the Department.
The Department
MSC brings together scholars from a range of research areas within management, communication and the broader social sciences and humanities, studying organizations in global environments and the interaction and interdependencies of business, society and government. They share a common interest in studying organizations in global environments and the relations of organizations to the wider society, including decision-making at consumer level. Information about the department may be found at www.cbs.dk/msc.
Qualifications
The applicant must hold a PhD or the equivalent. In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed on research potential and research relevant to the job description.
- A PhD in migration studies, or in anthropology, political science, or cultural studies with a migration-related focus.
- Documented experience with qualitative and/or participatory research.
- Professional proficiency in English (written and spoken).
- Knowledge of other languages relevant to the project (e.g. Arabic, Kurdish, Urdu, Romanian, Somali) will be considered a strong asset.
- Experience with alternative forms of research dissemination (e.g. exhibitions, workshops, digital storytelling, podcasts, policy briefs, etc.) is an advantage.
Copenhagen Business School has a broad commitment to the excellence, distinctiveness and relevance of its teaching and research programmes. Candidates who wish to join us should demonstrate enthusiasm for working in an organisation of this type.
The position is based in Copenhagen. The selected candidate ideally starts in March 2026 but there is some flexibility.
Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Finance’s agreement with the Central Academic Organisation.
Application
Applications are to be sent via the electronic recruitment system, using the link below:
Application must include:
- A cover letter with a summary of the candidate’s main strengths and abilities.
- A complete, numbered list of publications (indicating titles, co-authors, page numbers and year) with a *marking of the academic productions to be considered during the review. A maximum of 5 publications for review are allowed. Applicants are requested to prioritise their publications in relation to the field of this job advertisement.
- Copies of the publications marked with a *. (Only publications written in, or translated into, English or one of the Scandinavian languages will be taken into consideration)
- Information indicating experience in research management, CSO co-operation and international co-operation.
- Documentation of relevant, significant, original research at an international level.
- Transcripts and all academic diplomas
- A full and updated CV
Recruitment procedure
The Recruitment Committee will shortlist a minimum of two applicants; when possible five or more applicants will be shortlisted. The shortlisted applicants will be assessed by the Assessment Committee. All applicants will be notified of their status in the recruitment process shortly after the application deadline.
The applicants selected for assessment will be notified about the composition of the Assessment Committee and later in the process about the result of the assessment.
Once the recruitment process is completed each applicant will be notified of the outcome of their application.
Application deadline: December 10th, 2025
Copenhagen Business School must receive all application material, including all appendices (see items above), by the application deadline.
Copenhagen Business School invites all qualified candidates to apply for the position. An appointment committee will review the applications and invite a selection of qualified candidates to an interview.
One of CBS’ strategic goals is the promotion of diversity, which is why every effort has been made to ensure a recruitment process that reduces potential bias. Applicants are therefore encouraged not to include a photo or unnecessary personal information in their application.
Details about Copenhagen Business School and the department are available at www.cbs.dk.
For further information regarding the position please contact: Associate Prof. Anne Vestergaard, email: av.msc@cbs.dk.
For information regarding the hiring process please contact: HR-Coordinator Rikke Petersen, email: rpe.msc@cbs.dk