Research assistant, Department of Government

The Department of Government belongs to the Faculty of Social Sciences at Uppsala University and has about 100 teachers, researchers, doctoral students, and administrative staff. Its activities consist mainly of teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels and in postgraduate education. In addition, the department conducts extensive research at national and international levels.

Read more about the department's activities on our website: https://www.uu.se/en/department/government

Duties
The work will be carried out within the project, "Does the welfare state shape public support for climate action?" is funded by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation (MMW). The project aims to generate new comparative data on how welfare investments affect support for carbon taxes in a number of countries that constitute some of the world's largest emitters.

The assistant will collaborate with researchers at the Department of Government. Key tasks include preparations for a survey study in two countries – Brazil and the United States, with the possible addition of France. This work includes, among other things, background research and qualitative interviews aimed at testing and adapting the wording of survey questions and survey experiments to each national context. A central component is to examine how different welfare programs should be labelled in the survey, in order to be correctly understood by respondents across demographic groups (e.g., younger/older, different educational levels, urban/rural), how respondents perceive the magnitude of changes in benefit levels (increases and reductions), and how the public reasons about the possibility of generating acceptance for carbon taxes through compensatory elements in the welfare system. The assistant will also carry out administrative tasks.

Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or equivalent social science degree. The position requires extensive, documented experience with interviewing – preferably supported by training or a degree in journalism – and prior experience working as a research assistant. Applicants must have very strong oral and written communication skills in English, Portugese, and Spanish; additional proficiency in French is considered an asset. The work also requires strong analytical ability and a capacity to work independently.

Applicants must have solid knowledge of the welfare systems and political decision-making landscapes in Brazil and the United States, as well as an established network relevant to the research in these two countries.

Application

The application should include the following:

• Cover letter (max 1 page): describe your motivation for applying, why you fit the position, and your possible start date and time availability.
• In case you have a writing sample (e.g., thesis or empirical analysis) feel free to attach a copy.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Transcript of grades (unofficial is sufficient).
• Supporting documentation demonstrating your interviewing experience (e.g., certificates, training records, or examples of work).
• Contact information of two referees (will only be used at the end of the recruitment process).

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position (100%) for 1,5 months starting on January 9, 2026, or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Moa Mårtensson (moa.martensson@statsvet.uu.se)

Please submit your application by December 30, 2025. UFV-PA 2025/3951.