The University of Gothenburg's Department of Political Science is offering a Postdoctoral Fellow position, funded by an ERC Starting Grant. This 2-year (potentially 3-year) full-time role focuses on a timely research project investigating the behavioral consequences of national economic improvement on political engagement and democratic attitudes.
This opportunity provides a chance to contribute to the ECONENGAGE project, led by Associate Professor Florence So, which aims to understand how a good economy influences citizens' interactions with politics beyond voting. The successful candidate will be an integral part of an ambitious research team, engaging in collaborative and independent research within a highly-ranked department.
Quick Facts
| Opportunity | Postdoc Position |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Gothenburg |
| Department | Department of Political Science |
| Location | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Region | Europe |
| Open to | International applicants |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Stipend / Salary | Not specified |
| Duration | 24-36 months |
| Start date | September 2027 or as agreed |
| Application deadline | 04 January 2027 |
About the Position
The postdoctoral fellow will primarily conduct research as part of the ECONENGAGE project, which explores how national economic improvement affects political engagement and attitudes toward democratic institutions in established democracies. Key duties include collaborating on the second part of the project, specifically designing experiments to investigate how an improving national economy impacts individuals' consumption of political information, reliance on partisan sources, and ideological entrenchment. The role also involves conducting independent, high-quality research projects aligned with the project's goals, contributing to publications in top international outlets, and potentially teaching up to one-fifth of the working time.
Eligibility
- A doctoral degree in political science or a related subject, obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline (exceptions for special grounds like parental leave, illness, etc.).
- Previous research experience related to political economy, political behavior, or public opinion in established democracies is an asset.
- Experience in experimental design is required.
- Excellent skills in advanced quantitative methods.
- Strong interest in developing innovative experiments and willingness to acquire new methodological skills.
- Excellent command of spoken and written English.
- Ability to work constructively and effectively within an international research team, with strong communication and collaboration skills.
Benefits
- Opportunity to join a cutting-edge, ambitious research project funded by an ERC Starting Grant.
- Integration into a supportive, collaborative, and vibrant research team.
- Well-integrated into a large, international, and dynamic department with various research environments (e.g., GEPOP, QoG Institute).
- Encouragement to form independent research collaborations within the department.
- Excellent opportunities for developing further research ideas within the project's aims and independent research agendas.
- Potential eligibility to apply for a Marie Curie Individual Fellowship, hosted by the University of Gothenburg.
- Funding for conference attendance, data collection, and additional career training.
- Opportunities to develop robust, independent research networks essential for academic career advancement.
- Individual salary setting.
Documents Required
- A letter of application (max 2 pages) outlining how your research agenda contributes to the project and meets the requirements.
- A research proposal (2-3 pages, excluding references) outlining potential research ideas relevant to the project's focus.
- A CV, including a list of working papers and publications.
- One writing sample of typical article length.
- A list of at least three references with contact information.
How to Apply
- Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button on the provided website.
- Ensure the application is complete and submitted in English by the deadline.
- Interviews, reference checks, and work tests may be conducted in English.
Source: EURAXESS.
Details can change – always confirm eligibility and deadline on the official listing before applying.
Featured image: Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels
