Selection Criteria

MITIME welcomes applications from highly motivated candidates with a demonstrated capacity for independent and collaborative research and a strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of migration, temporality, and urban inequality.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate the following:

• A strong commitment to conducting interdisciplinary and collaborative research in international and cross-sectoral contexts.
• The ability to take initiative, manage research tasks responsibly, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• The capacity to design and complete a doctoral research project within the framework of the assigned project description, leading to the submission of a PhD thesis and other academic outputs.
• Willingness to contribute to MITIME’s collective research, training, and dissemination activities, including workshops, summer schools, and other network events.
• Capacity to play an active role in conceptualizing, developing, and executing core MITIME project outputs, e.g. scientific articles, reports, conferences.
• Prior experience with the theoretical and methodological dimensions of qualitative and/or quantitative research.
• Academic or professional experience relevant to the thematic focus of MITIME.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver high-quality written and oral outputs.
• Demonstrated academic writing experience in the social sciences or humanities.
• Excellent English-language communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Willingness and readiness for international mobility, including research secondments, training events, and conference participation.
• A record of scholarly publications (if available) will be considered an advantage.

Please note that specific requirements (e.g., language proficiency or methodological competencies) are specified in each individual project description.

The recruiting universities are equal-opportunity employers. Applications are particularly welcomed from candidates belonging to underrepresented or marginalised groups, provided that they meet the eligibility criteria outlined below.

Candidates applying for MITIME PhD positions must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Academic qualifications: Candidates must hold a Master's degree (e.g., MSc, MA, or equivalent) prior to the commencement of the contract; please see relevant PhD position descriptions for any specific date requirements. The degree should be in a field relevant to the specific doctoral position, such as migration studies, anthropology, sociology, geography, urban studies, media studies, social policy, political science, public administration, or a related discipline.
• PhD status: Candidates must not have previously completed or defended a PhD.
• Mobility requirements: Candidates may be of any nationality. However, candidates cannot have lived or carried out their main work or studies in the country of the hiring institution for more than 12 months during the 36 months before the position begins. There are a few exceptions, such as compulsory national service, short visits (e.g., holidays), or time spent in processes related to obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention.
• Language proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English.
• Institutional requirements: Candidates must fulfil any additional local requirements of the recruiting institution, as outlined in the respective project descriptions.

Candidates applying for MITIME doctoral researcher positions must submit a single PDF file containing all required documents in the order listed below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

1. Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page): Introduce yourself and your qualifications, outline your motivation for applying to the position, and describe your future career objectives.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include details of educational qualifications, grades achieved in relevant research modules or dissertations, and any other pertinent academic or professional experience.
3. Research Proposal: Outline how you would conceptually and methodologically approach the research for the specific project you are applying for, using the brief project description as a basis (3-5 pages, excluding references; 12pt font size).
4. Official Transcripts: Provide final grade transcripts for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. If transcripts are not in English, include an official translation.
5. Degree Certificates: Submit copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas or proof of degree completion. If you are currently enrolled in a Master’s programme, include available transcripts and a statement from your supervisor confirming that you are on track to complete your degree by the commencement of the contract.
6. Proof of English Language Competence: Submit documentation of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) as required by the recruiting institution. Candidates whose first language is English, or who have previously studied in English, should provide a brief justification requesting exemption from this requirement.
7. List the names and contact details of two referees (references will will only be requested for those candidates who proceed to the interview stage).

Important: Successful candidates must also comply with any additional institutional requirements of the respective host university. Full details are provided in the individual project descriptions.

While applicants are not disallowed from submitting applications to more than one MITIME position, we strongly recommend focusing on a single doctoral researcher position and investing the necessary time and care to produce a high-quality application. Well-developed research proposals with a coherent and compelling rationale will be prioritised over multiple applications that are less fully developed.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the privacy notice, which explains how personal data submitted during the application process will be processed and stored.

Each application will be evaluated by a scientific committee based on the following criteria:

• CV and background of the candidate (academic records, publications, academic and related activities (35%)
• Suitability, excellence, originality, implementation and implications of the proposed research (45%)
• Motivation (vision, expectations, suitability) of the candidate (20%)

Only selected candidates will be invited to the interview stage. Interviews will take place online. Candidates invited to the interview will be provided further relevant information about the selection process and may at that point be asked to submit further documentation (i.e., writing sample).