Call for Postdoctoral Researchers

MENBELONG: Belonging for Single Migrant Men: A Cross-Country Comparative Perspective

Name and contact information of primary investigator of the project (in Turkey):

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Susan Beth Rottmann

FEAS AB2 # 457

Çekmeköy Kampüsü Nişantepe Mah.

Orman Sk. 34794 Çekmeköy – İstanbul

susan.rottmann@ozyegin.edu.tr

Project Lead: Gokce Yurdakul (Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany)

Source of funding received for this study:

Horizon ERC-2024-ADG Project No. 101200781 - European Research Council Executive Agency (REA) under the powers delegated by the European Commission

Project Summary

This project investigates single migrant men’s experiences of belonging across five countries that have experienced abrupt, large-scale migration flows and that have different gender equality levels and integration policies. These groups include Syrians in Türkiye, Mexicans in Canada, Turks in Germany, Myanmarese in Thailand, and Venezuelans in Chile. The research will impact theories of migration and gender by providing intersectional and international insights into how single migrant men develop a sense of belonging in the face of serious challenges. This advertisement is for research to be conducted in Türkiye.

Requirements

• PhD in anthropology, sociology, political science or related field with expertise in the fields of migration research, gender studies, qualitative and quantitative social science research; text analysis; and writing of scientific reports and publications.
• Experience and interest in the topic of Syrian migration to Türkiye
• English and Turkish proficiency are required. Ability to speak Arabic or Kurdish is an advantage.
• Must be available fulltime between February 1, 2026 and January 31, 2027, with possibility for extension.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Türkiye (i.e. Turkish citizen or resident and eligible for work permit application if needed) with a regular presence in Istanbul. The candidate must also be willing to travel abroad regularly, including overnight stays.
• The candidate must be self-motivated and able to work independently.
• A high level of teamwork skills and intercultural competence is required.

Main Tasks

1. Lead interviews, focus groups and photovoice field research (set-up meetings with interviewees, oversee sampling, create interview schedules, transcribe and code interview data, manage a database of coded material). Manage the implementation of a factorial survey and assist with survey analysis. Existing networks with migrants, CSOs and NGOs and experience with computational text analysis through qualitative software is an advantage.
2. Assist with organizational tasks (e.g. scheduling meetings, facilitating communication and collaboration with international researchers, preparing website content).
3. All members of the team are expected to participate in project meetings, trainings and events as well as dissemination activities, including publications.

Compensation

• 75.000 TL Gross/Brut

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and CV with two listed references to Susan Beth Rottmann (Ozyegin University): susan.rottmann@ozyegin.edu.tr. Deadline July 31, 2025.