At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on anti-autocratic movements and analyse multi-country datasets.
- Company: Join a prestigious research project funded by the European Research Council.
- Benefits: Competitive salary starting at ÂŁ38,784 per annum with academic career support.
- Other info: Collaborate with leading researchers and present at international conferences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in academia while exploring vital political ideas.
- Qualifications: PhD in political science and expertise in autocratic politics required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 38784 ÂŁ per year.
About the role
NEWREPUBLIC is a €1.5 million research project funded by the European Research Council. It asks: what ideas animate anti‑autocratic movements in Africa? You will play a central role in that project alongside the principal investigator, another research fellow, a PhD student and a communication officer. You will co‑lead the project's content analysis. You will generate and analyse a large multi‑country dataset of movement speech. In parallel, you will undertake your own autonomous research project on the ideas of anti‑autocratic movements in Africa, which will extend, enrich or complicate the foundational ideas of NEWREPUBLIC. Altogether, you will co‑author at least three articles for publication in respected peer‑reviewed journals. More widely, you will be pivotal to the success of NEWREPUBLIC. You will present at conferences, contribute to international dissemination and feed into follow‑on funding applications. The role is intended to set you up for a career in academia. NEWREPUBLIC has close ties to Sussex’s prestigious Centre for the Study of Corruption, world‑leading Institute for Development Studies, and pioneering School for Progressive Futures. You will receive proactive support oriented towards early‑career researchers through the Sussex Researcher School.
About you
The ideal candidate will want to put the animating ideas of anti‑autocratic movements at the heart of their research agenda, for the duration of the project, and for years to come. You will be fluent (at least C1 level) in a language spoken in Africa, other than English. It would be particularly advantageous if you were fluent in French, Portuguese, Luganda, or Swahili.
Qualifications
- A PhD in political science or a closely related subject.
- A record of publications in peer‑reviewed journals, commensurate with career stage.
- Expertise in autocratic politics and/or democratic struggle in Africa.
- Expertise in the methodology of rule‑bound content analysis of text.
- Expertise in the analysis of ideology, discourse, performance or another lens onto meaning‑making.
- An excellent proposal for an independent research project to extend, enrich or complicate the foundational ideas of NEWREPUBLIC (no more than 1,000 words, excluding references).
If you have:
- Expertise in the politics of francophone, lusophone, or eastern Africa.
- Experience in management, supervision, or quality control within or beyond the academy.
- Experience of public engagement, for example in op‑eds, policy briefs, or public seminars.
Benefits
From ÂŁ38,784 per annum, pro rata if part time. Grade 7.
Research Fellow in the Ideas of Anti-Autocratic Movements employer: britsoccrim
Contact Detail:
britsoccrim Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in the Ideas of Anti-Autocratic Movements
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend conferences and seminars related to anti-autocratic movements or political science. This is your chance to meet potential collaborators and mentors who can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a short presentation about your research interests and how they align with the NEWREPUBLIC project. This will not only demonstrate your passion but also make you memorable to the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about following up! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick email to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the role. It shows enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, so make sure you submit it there. It’s the best way to ensure your materials are reviewed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in the Ideas of Anti-Autocratic Movements
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Proposal: Make sure your independent research project proposal is spot on! We want to see how your ideas can extend or enrich the foundational concepts of NEWREPUBLIC. Keep it concise, engaging, and relevant to the themes of anti-autocratic movements.
Show Off Your Expertise: Highlight your experience in political science and any publications you've got under your belt. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge of autocratic politics and democratic struggles in Africa, so don’t hold back!
Language Skills Matter: If you’re fluent in a language spoken in Africa, make sure to mention it! Whether it’s French, Portuguese, Luganda, or Swahili, we want to know how your language skills can contribute to the project.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all the amazing candidates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at britsoccrim
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key ideas surrounding anti-autocratic movements, especially in Africa. Familiarise yourself with the NEWREPUBLIC project and its objectives, as well as any relevant literature. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Language Skills
Since fluency in an African language is a plus, be prepared to discuss your language skills during the interview. If you speak French, Portuguese, Luganda, or Swahili, think of examples where you've used these languages in a research context or how they could benefit the project.
✨Prepare Your Independent Research Proposal
You’ll need to present your independent research project idea, so have a clear and concise summary ready. Highlight how your project will extend or complicate the foundational ideas of NEWREPUBLIC. Be ready to discuss your methodology and expected outcomes.
✨Engage with Current Events
Stay updated on recent developments in autocratic politics and democratic struggles in Africa. Being able to reference current events or case studies during your interview will demonstrate your engagement with the field and your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.