Application area Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Sociology, and in the Faculty of Business and Economics as part of the Research Training Group 2951 funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) 6 Research Positions (f/m/d, No. 331-25) Salary: EG 13 TV-L Start of employment: 2026-04-01 Duration of employment: 4 years Working time: 29 hours 52 minutes (75 percent) Application deadline: 2025-10-01 Code number: 331-25 As part of the Research Training Group 2951 "Cross-border Labour Markets: Transnational Market Makers, Infrastructures, Institutions", funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), up to 6 doctoral research positions are available. The Research Training Group (RTG) "Cross-border Labour Markets" is a joint programme of Bielefeld University and the University of Duisburg-Essen. Starting from April, 1, 2026, it offers a total of 11 positions for doctoral researchers (a maximum of 6 positions at Bielefeld University and the University of Duisburg-Essen respectively). The positions give successful applicants the opportunity to conduct their own research projects, within the context of the RTG research programme, and complete a doctoral dissertation within an inspiring international and interdisciplinary intellectual environment. The RTG investigates cross-border labour markets with an emphasis on their trans-national embeddedness, with a focus on the conditions for the emergence of cross-border labour markets, encompassing the roles that transnational 'market makers' play in this regard (such as states, multinational corporations, or intermediaries), transnational infrastructures (such as means of transportation, accommodation, job platforms, or social networks), and transnational institutions (rules and regulations, visa and border regimes, recognition of qualifications, or industrial relations). Especially welcome are PhD projects that adopt institutionalist perspectives on cross-border labour markets and employment relations, as well as projects that focus on cross-border platforms or clickwork or other forms of virtual work. For more details on the RTG, its research programme and participating researchers, please consult the RTG webpage (). Your main tasks conducting a research project related to the RTG's research programme and completing a report and/or journal articles on the results participating in the courses and events of the RTG qualification programme contributing to the further development of the RTG qualification programme Employment is conducive to scientific qualification. Your profile completed scientific university degree (e. g. Master) in sociology, economics, social anthropology, or a related social science (8 semesters standard period of study) open-mindedness towards the academic disciplines involved in the RTG, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration excellent command of English (written and spoken); the RTG's working language is English independent, self-reliant, and committed mode of working cooperative and team-oriented way of working initial research experience would be desirable (e.g. as a research assistant or in research seminars), as well as thematically and/or methodologically relevant preliminary work, e. g. as part of the Master's thesis We offer you a varied, multifaceted area of responsibility in a lively working environment and international exchange a working environment with respectful, appreciative cooperation a pleasant working atmosphere in a dynamic team the opportunity for promotion with numerous support programmes family friendliness through childcare facilities for your children counselling for family care responsibilities a wide range of further and advanced training programmes, individual induction training very good public transport connections and free parking spaces attractive sports and health programmes (university sports) the possibility of working from home Application Letter of motivation with reference to the Research Training Group and the names of three possible supervisors from the group of participating researchers in the order of your preference, CV, 3-5 pages research proposal for a dissertation project, an abstract of the planned project (max. 200 words), submission of a sample of your work, e.g. a term paper or selected chapters of your master's thesis and university degree documents. Please address your application to Prof Dr. Karen Shire, University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Sociology, 47048 Duisburg, quoting the reference number 331-25. Please submit your complete application via the application platform at For more details on the RTG, its research programme and participating researchers, please consult the RTG webpage (). Apply online Information about the job University of Duisburg-Essen pursues the goal of promoting the diversity of its members. In accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act, women with the same qualifications are given referential considered. Applications from suitable disabled persons and persons of equal status within the meaning of 2 para. 3 SGB IX are desired. By applying for the advertised positions, you expressly agree to the requirements in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and to being contacted by mail. Further information on data protection can be found here. WEBSITE