Ref PAR 2023/925
The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.
The Department of Political Science is an open and socially engaged institution, at the centre of the city and at the centre of the debate. In 2022, the ShanghaiRanking’s Academy of World Universities ranked the department number 1 in Sweden, 5 in Europe and 19 in the world in political science. We are very research-active and offer a lively research environment with several thematic seminar series and internal workshops. Our research revolves around elections, democracy, corruption, forms of government, globalization, the environment and politics, as well as European issues. The department hosts research programs such as the Center for Collective Action Research (CeCAR), the QoG Institute, Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Governance and Local Development Institute (GLD) and the Swedish Electoral Research Program. We offer education at all levels, undergraduate, advanced level and postgraduate level, as well as independent courses. Teaching is given in both Swedish and English. In total, about 1,400 people study with us. The Department of Political Science has around 160 employees.
Description of the project
The project “Participation and Representation in the Digital Age (PRD)” uses multiple methodological approaches to advance theory-based, empirical scholarship on the connection between participation and representation. A global trend has emerged in patterns of political participation over the past few decades. While voting has declined, non-electoral participation—like protest, and digital activism—has increased. A main concern is that these trends may lead to unequal representation. The project deals with the consequences of these trends. The project is financed by ERC and led by Professor Jennifer Oser at the Ben-Gurion University in Israel in collaboration with Mikael Persson at the University of Gothenburg.
The Department of Political Science invites applications for a post-doctoral fellow, to conduct research within “Participation and Representation in the Digital Age (PRD)”, funded by ERC. This is a 2-year position, 100% of full-time.
Subject area
Political science
Subject area description
Political science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, nation, government, and politics and policies of government on a national and international perspective.
Job assignments
The employment as a postdoctoral fellow aims to give the employee an early opportunity to develop their independence as a researcher after completing his doctoral degree and to create the conditions for further qualifications. The person employed as a postdoctoral fellow must mainly conduct research. Teaching can be included in the work duties, but to a maximum of one-fifth of the working time.
As a postdoctoral fellow, you are expected to carry out a research-focused role to lead the construction of a harmonized dataset of high-quality, to conduct cross-national surveys on political participation, and to conduct data analyses outlined in the project’s work plan. The role includes primarily the data management needed to construct the originally harmonized dataset.
Eligibility
Eligible to be employed as a postdoctoral fellow is someone who has a doctorate in political science or a closely related subject at the latest at the time the employment decision is made. In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years before the end of the application period should be considered. Even those who have completed their degree previously can be considered if there are special reasons.
For more information regarding eligibility please visit The appointment procedure GU 2022/38
Assessment
You must have a doctoral degree in preferably political science or related discipline at the latest at the time the employment decision is made. We are looking for you with previous experience of research in connection with the research area described above. Applicants will primarily be judged on the basis of scientific skill in research on political opinion and behavior with a special focus on areas relevant to political inequality and political participation.
We are looking for someone with:
- Strong methodological and quantitative background; excellent command of Stata and R.
- Ambition and ability to produce high-impact publications. Previous publications on political participation and voting behavior in well-established political science journals is a strong merit.
- Ability to work independently and to communicate effectively with a team.
- Commitment to a two-year postdoctoral position.
- Experience in working with and harmonizing large datasets relating to political opinion, behavior and participation.
Applicants must have excellent written and oral proficiency in English.
To be successful in this position, you must have an eye for detail, good organizational skills and be able to solve problems. You need to have excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Great emphasis is placed on personal suitability for the position. We will make an overall assessment and the applicant who is considered to be best qualified to carry out and develop the tasks described above will be appointed to the position.
Employment
The employment is limited (temporary) for 24 months, 100% of full-time at the Department of Political Science. Starting date; October 1st or as agreed.
For more information please visit The appointment Procedure, GU 2022/38
Contact information for the post
If you have questions regarding the employment, or details about the projects in which this position is organized, please contact Mikael.Persson.3@gu.se
If you have any questions regarding the employment procedure, please contact Helena Jensen, Helena.Jensen@gu.se
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
Application
To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
We kindly ask you to write your application in English as the application may be reviewed by English-speaking staff. In the selection process, it will likely be relevant with interviews and reference taking
The application should include the following:
- A letter of application (max 3 pages), outlining how your research agenda can contribute to this project. It should clearly show the ways in which the applicant meets the requirements specified above.
- A CV (including list of publications)
- One writing sample
- A list of at least three references (with contact information) from whom letters of recommendation can be solicited
Application must be received by: 2023-08-31
Information for International Applicants
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The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.
Salaries are set individually at the University.
In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.
In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
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