The Department of Social Sciences (ISE) at Roskilde University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher as part of the research programme Strengthening Resilience of Sahelian Societies (STRESS) Everyday displacement governance in peri-urban settings, led by Associate Professor Eric Hahonou (principal investigator).
The position as postdoc is limited to a period of 1 year, starting from October 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The Department of Social Sciences and Business
ISE conducts excellent, interdisciplinary, and collaborative research based on anthropology, business studies, development studies, economics, legal studies, political science, and sociology. We offer an innovative and interdisciplinary university environment characterized by academic and methodological diversity in research and education. Our faculty put a strong emphasis on research methodologies and are dedicated to gaining insights into businesses and society in diverse contexts of change and global engagement. We produce research at the highest international level that feeds into our educational programmes, while simultaneously leveraging our research to impact social, economic, and political change.
Research in the department is organized in research groups. Read more about the department here.
The position
The postdoc will be part of a supportive, interdisciplinary team, and will work closely with the principal investigator (PI) and collaborate with researchers situated in Sweden, Burkina Faso and Niger. The postdoc will be affiliated with the research project STRESS at Roskilde University and can participate in relevant research group activities at the Department of Social Sciences and Business at the University. The postdoc will have the opportunity to advance their academic skills and career as part of this interdisciplinary research project and will be part of an international network of collaborators.
The overall aim of the STRESS project is to investigate the everyday governance of internally displaced populations (IDPs) in Burkina Faso. Forced displacement is a new and major challenge that affects Sahelian societies since 2012. The programme is focusing on peri-urban settings in 6 cities of Burkina Faso. It analyzes how communities manage climate-related and conflict-driven displacement through three work packages addressing the resilience of households and individuals from IDP communities, the resilience of institutions in charge of governing displacement, and the resilience of host communities who implement ‘everyday humanitarianism’. The programme aims to develop policy recommendations to help national and local authorities manage forcibly displaced populations. Research combines qualitative (ethnography) and quantitative methods.
Through interviews and ethnographic work, the postdoc in anthropology or mental health will investigate IDP’s awareness and experience of forced displacement, conflict and related emotional challenges (mental health/well-being management). Importantly, the position does not require fieldwork in Burkina Faso, but the coordination of research assistants and supervision of students associated with the project. Ideally, the postdoc’s language abilities should include French and English.
The candidate is expected to help the project disseminate research findings (through research papers, policy briefs, short videos, etc.). The qualitative work may also involve video data produced by collaborators situated in Burkina Faso. The candidate should possess good communication skills and will be visible and involved in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department.
Ideally, the candidate has experience with interviews and ethnographic work in West Africa or health care settings. However, the most important evaluation criterion is that the candidate is genuinely interested in the issue of forced displacement and is able to demonstrate that they can take responsibility for the research in anthropology in dialogue with the PI and in close collaboration with the partners and research assistants in the field. They also need to show relevant research skills and methodological competencies that enable them to make an independent contribution to the project.
Responsibilities and tasks
A postdoc at ISE is expected to;
- conduct and publish research at the highest international level (in French or English)
- participate in research groups, seminars and other relevant activities
- contribute to both the academic and social life of the research group and the department
- show good academic citizenship
The ideal candidate for this position is expected to;
- present findings at international conferences
- share and translate qualitative data to inform policy analysis
- organize and participate in activities related to the STRESS project, including group meetings, workshops with academics and relevant stakeholders
The ideal candidate possesses good communication skills and will be visible and involved in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department.
Qualifications
- Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent within a relevant field (e.g., anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, global health or social science). Qualifications within the following areas are required:
- Advanced skills in qualitative research methods, including ethnographic work
- Understanding of quantitative methods
- Experience with managing research assistants
- Experience with and willingness to engage in interdisciplinary work
- Skills in workshop facilitation and stakeholder engagement
- Strong linguistic skills in English and French
- The ability to work independently as well as collaborate with other members of the research team
It is advantageous if the candidate has prior experience in working with migration studies, sensitive health/emotional data and some understanding of forced displacement. Willingness to travel outside Denmark for conferences, workshops and seminars is expected.
Assessment
In the assessment of the candidate, consideration will be given to;
- Relevant research experience that enables the candidate to work independently on the topic
- Ability to demonstrate research skills that are valuable to the topic and project deliverables
- Scientific production and research prospective
- Ability to promote and utilize research results
- Ability to contribute to the development of the department’s internal and external cooperation
Questions
For further information about the postdoc position, please contact Dr Eric Hahonou by email: komlavi@ruc.dk.
Terms of employment
The employment is full time, 37 hours per week and you will refer to the Head of Department.
The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.
Application procedure
After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.
Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.
The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.
Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.
Application
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/
Only applications in English are accepted.
Applications must include:
1. Cover letter
2. CV
3. Documentation of education
4. If duties include teaching: Min. two pages reflecting on the applicant’s approach and experience with teaching or alternatively a full teaching portfolio (read more about teaching portfolio at Roskilde University here)
5. A complete list of publications
6. A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment
If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here)
Please submit your application no later than May 21, 2026.
Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.
Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Roskilde Universitets fornemmeste opgave er eksperimenterende, nyskabende former for læring, forskning og problemløsning, som flytter samfundet fremad. Vi uddanner kompetente tværfaglige kandidater og skaber videnskabelige resultater af højeste kvalitet gennem åbenhed, involvering og videndeling.
Roskilde Universitet har ca. 6.900 studerende, 900 ansatte og 888 mio. kr. i årlig omsætning.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Roskilde Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Roskilde Universitet, Universitetsvej, 4000 Roskilde
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 21-05-2026;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/find-job/ec29a178-deb9-45de-a71c-fd5e05314581
