Scientific Research Assistant – POLSAFE Project

Scientific Research Assistant – POLSAFE Project
Department of Society and Politics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Aalborg University
Do you have a strong interest in quantitative social science, and would you like to work hands on with data in an internationally oriented research project on policing?
The Department of Society and Politics at Aalborg University, Faculty of Social Sciences, invites applications for a one year, full-time scientific research assistant position as part of the Carlsberg Foundation–funded POLSAFE project (Can Police Presence Decrease Perceived Safety?).
The position is full-time (37 hours per week), with a desired start date of 15 August 2026. The position offers an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers who wish to gain experience with data-intensive research in a collaborative academic environment.

Your work tasks
The scientific research assistant will play a central role in supporting the project’s empirical work. Tasks will include collecting, cleaning, documenting, and managing large-scale administrative and survey data related to police presence and perceived safety across five countries. The position involves assisting with the preparation and implementation of survey and quasi-experimental research designs, conducting data analyses under the supervision of the project’s researchers, and contributing to reproducible data workflows. The research assistant will also support the preparation of figures, tables, and background materials for academic publications and policy-oriented outputs, and will take part in ongoing discussions about data quality, interpretation of results, and research design within the project team.

Your competencies
We are looking for a colleague with a strong interest in empirical social science research and a careful, structured approach to working with data. The ideal candidate is comfortable handling complex datasets, enjoys collaborating closely with others, and is motivated to contribute to a shared research project. Experience with quantitative data analysis, data management, and an interest in issues related to policing will be an advantage. We value reliability, curiosity, and the ability to work independently while also engaging constructively with feedback and teamwork.

Qualification requirements
Appointment as a scientific research assistant requires academic qualifications at master’s degree level in a relevant social science discipline, such as political science, sociology, economics, public administration, or a related field.

Who we are
The position is part of the POLSAFE project, led by Jesper Asring Hansen, Associate Professor at Aalborg University (profile: https://vbn.aau.dk/da/persons/jajh/)The project team consists of the principal investigator, two postdoctoral researchers, and a research assistant working closely together in a collaborative setting. The successful candidate will also become part of the Comparative Politics research group at the Department of Society and Politics, which offers an active research environment with seminars, workshops, and opportunities for academic exchange.

Qualification requirements 
Appointment as a research assistant requires academic qualifications at master's degree level.

How to apply  
Your application must include the following: 

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and potential PhD diploma) 
• List of publications. You may attach a maximum of 5 publications (optional). If you are applying for a position at The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), you must submit a co-author statement, see template for co-author statement 
• Documentation of teaching qualifications (optional). Depending on which faculty you are applying for employment, please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position 
• References/recommendations 

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.    

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.  

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position. 

Do you have any questions? 
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.     

 

Further information 
Read more about our recruitment process here   

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.  

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace. 

Salary and terms of employment  
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).