Job Description

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellowto work on the project "Identities, Migration and Democracy" (We-ID). The We-ID project, funded by the European Commission, brings together researchers from 8 European universities or research institutes. The project will investigate how demographic change, particularly migration and growing population diversity shape identities, belonging, cohesion and political participation of the European populations. The Post-doctoral Research Fellow will work on a work package that aims to identify and strengthen civic competences for creating and safeguarding resilient democratic communities. They will investigate workplaces, local institutions such as local integration centres, and social spaces as contact zones and access points of encounters between non-migrants and migrants, old and new residents. The Research Fellow will conduct semi-structured interviews in North East Scotland, will prepare project reports, will write up research results for publication in academic journals, and will collaborate with other researchers of the consortia.


The successful applicant will have a PhD in a social science discipline or should be close to submitting their PhD thesis*. They should have experience in qualitative research and data analysis. Good communication and management skills are essential.


Appointment at Grade 5 Research Assistant (32,080 - 37,694 per annum) will be considered for candidates with less experience/knowledge of the area, with the job description to be amended accordingly.


The post is available for 6 months starting 1st April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of

staff benefits

including:

Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility) Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme

Further details of the project can be found at: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/694954 or by contacting Prof Hill Kulu, Hill.Kulu@st-andrews.ac.uk, Prof Claudia Neu, claudia.neu@uni-goettingen.de or Dr Sarah Christison, sfc3@st-andrews.ac.uk.



Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.


Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ Disabled and Neurodiverse staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities or Neurodiversity Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Closing Date: 13 February 2026

Please quote ref: AR3242DD

School of Geography and Sustainable Development



Salary: 38,784 - 46,049 per annum



Start Date: 1 April 2026



Fixed Term - 6 months

School/Unit:

School of Geography & Sustainable Development

Posted:

27/01/2026

Closing date:

13/02/2026

Closing time:

23:59