Job Description
Postdoctoral Position in European Mobility Law
Position Overview
The Danish National Research Foundation's Center of Excellence for Global Mobility Law (MOBILE) invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral position commencing September 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a 24-month fixed-term position with possibility of extension.
Research Focus
We seek a strong candidate with research interest and expertise in the interplay between law and politics in European mobility law - the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of legal frameworks governing cross-border human movement. This encompasses entry, residence, movement, and work rights across states, spanning free movement, migration, transnational labor, and human rights frameworks.
The position contributes to MOBILE's research analyzing legal and political processes that shape regional infrastructures for transborder human mobility, examining their implementation, enforcement, and contestation in practice. The successful candidate will participate in interdisciplinary research empirically examining European immigration and free movement law development, including interactions with national and international legal regimes and regional mobility systems.
As part of MOBILE's core mission, you will work within a cross-regional and interdisciplinary team using mixed-methods approaches combining legal desk research, qualitative methods, and quantitative data analysis. The role requires empirical legal analysis of judgments, including hand coding and statistical analysis, with opportunities to test findings through comparative studies with other free movement regions during the second half of employment.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent research on European mobility law
- Participate in and organize team meetings and academic events
- Contribute to MOBILE Center activities and overall research agenda
- Perform empirical legal analysis including judgment coding and statistical analysis
- Engage in comparative regional studies
- Limited teaching duties may be assigned (primarily at the Department of Political Science or Faculty of Law)
Required Qualifications
- PhD-level academic qualifications
- Established research track record in European free movement law, immigration law, or both
- Experience with quantitative analysis and hand coding
- Ability to conduct independent research and participate in collaborative projects
- Strong publication record and research potential
- Proficiency in English (all documents must be submitted in English)
Assessment Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated primarily on research qualifications, including publications, independent research capability, collaboration experience, and research management skills. Your research plan and potential will be assessed in relation to MOBILE's overall research objectives. Teaching qualifications are not required but may be considered if teaching duties are assigned.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted online and include:
- Comprehensive CV
- Cover letter
- Documentation of qualifications (certificates and PhD diploma)
- Complete publication list with up to 3 selected publications marked and numbered
- Research plan
- Teaching portfolio (if applicable) and research dissemination documentation
Terms of Employment
Compensation follows the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Starting monthly salary is approximately DKK 39,200 (EUR 5,200) plus 18.07% pension contribution, with potential for negotiated annual supplements based on seniority.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by April 13, 2026 at 23:59 CET. Late applications will not be considered.
About the University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen is committed to academic excellence, equality of opportunity, and creating an inclusive working environment. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or ethnicity. The university provides comprehensive support services for international researchers and their families.
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About Københavns Universitet
Since 1479, the University of Copenhagen has been at the forefront of intellectual discovery, where groundbreaking research and critical thinking drive innovation that shapes our world. As one of Europe's leading research universities, we foster a dynamic international community of 5,000 researchers and 39,000 students, consistently ranking among the world's top institutions. Our university empowers both researchers and students to reach their full potential through ambitious interdisciplinary initiatives that strengthen our vibrant academic communities. We believe in research-based education, actively engaging students in cutting-edge research projects that prepare them to tackle society's most pressing challenges. Committed to environmental leadership, we are transforming our campus into one of the world's most sustainable university environments, minimizing our ecological footprint while maximizing our positive impact. Through strategic partnerships with industry and comprehensive sustainability programs, we connect students with meaningful opportunities to drive environmental innovation. At the University of Copenhagen, we champion gender equality and celebrate diversity as fundamental strengths that enrich our academic excellence and research breakthroughs.