Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Science

Would you like to work with research on how the public’s attitude towards climate policy is influenced by welfare initiatives, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favorable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a position as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Government at Uppsala University. The Department of Government has been conducting education and research for 400 years. Today, the department is one of the leading institutions of political science in the Nordic countries. It has about 100 employees, including teachers, researchers, PhD candidates, and administrative staff. The main activities are undergraduate and advanced level teaching and doctoral training in political science and development studies. In addition, extensive research at the national and international level is conducted at the department.

More information about the Department of Government can be found on our website: www.statsvet.uu.se

Job Description

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher whose primary task (80%) is to conduct research within the country-comparative project “Do welfare systems shape public support for climate action? A cross-country experimental assessment,” funded by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation. The project will investigate whether and how welfare initiatives affect the public’s attitudes towards carbon taxes in some of the world’s largest emitting nations, mainly outside of Europe. Thus, the research lies at the intersection between the subject areas of welfare policy and climate policy. A short project description is available to read here.

The tasks include working with the research group on theory and concept development for country-comparative analyses of the interaction between climate and welfare policy in countries outside Europe. A main task is to develop new policy indicators and to collect and analyze data from the various country contexts researched by the project. In addition, designing and conducting country-comparative survey experiments, as well as writing scientific articles, are part of the responsibilities. The postdoc will join a research group led by Professor Joakim Palme and is expected to participate in the group’s activities, e.g., research seminars and conferences. Teaching (maximum 20% of full-time) is typically included in the job duties.

Requirements

PhD in political science or another discipline that the employer deems relevant for the subject content of the employment and the work tasks included. The degree requirement must be fulfilled by the time the employment decision is made. Mainly, candidates who have obtained their degree no more than three years before the final application date should be considered. When calculating the three-year period, the end point is the last application date. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, duties within trade union organizations, etc.

A requirement for the position is very good knowledge in quantitative research and data collection, as well as experience with quantitative statistical programs (STATA, R, or similar). Empirical research on welfare policy and/or climate policy or related areas with a focus on countries outside Europe is a strong merit. Previous experience in designing surveys and/or survey experiments is a merit. These skills should be demonstrated through experience from education, dissertation work, teaching, or scientific publications. Excellent knowledge of English in speech and writing is a requirement. The position includes some teaching and supervision of undergraduate theses. Therefore, teaching experience in political science is a merit. Other personal qualities are highly valued in the appointment of the position. We are looking for someone who is structured, committed, flexible, and has the ability to work both independently and with others.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date 1 September 2024 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Joakim Palme, joakim.palme@statsvet.uu.se or Associate Professor Moa Mårtensson, moa.martensson@statsvet.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 17 May 2024, UFV-PA 2024/1346.

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