Research Fellow

University of Birmingham - School of Government

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract up to February 2029

Brief JD

We are recruiting a Research Fellow who will play an integral part in delivering the Horizon Europe-funded project “Resisting Interscalar Authoritarian Networks and Coalitions” (RESISTANCE). Led by Licia Cianetti and Nic Cheeseman at the University of Birmingham, RESISTANCE brings together 13 partner organisations, to develop a novel Interscalar Framework which integrates political science and human geography to explain how authoritarian ideas, institutions, technologies, and policies spread through the interaction of local, national, and transnational actors. The project aims to build new knowledge and tools to push back against “autocratic appeal coalitions” and strengthen “democratic resistance coalitions”.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be based in The Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) of the University of Birmingham and they will play a leading role in conducting research, drafting publications and policy papers, and supporting the coordination, administration and dissemination of the project in collaboration with the project leads and wider project team.

The successful candidate will have the potential to develop a world class publication record, to engage with a wide range of policy makers, and will be part of the large Europe-wide team delivering this project.

Person specification

• A PhD in political science, geography, international development, international relations, or a related area, or close to completion.
• The potential to develop a world class publication record and excellent analytical skills.
• An understanding of processes of autocratisation and democratic resilience, and experience with interdisciplinary and challenge-led research.
• An understanding of different theoretical approaches to democratization and autocratization, and how these have evolved over time.
• Ability to work as part of a team and communicate complex ideas clearly.
• Understanding of research communication and impact.

Informal enquiries can be made to Licia Cianetti, email l.cianetti@bham.ac.uk or Nicholas Cheeseman, email n.cheeseman@bham.ac.uk.

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working