Research Fellow in Anti-Autocratic Messaging(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Project

NEWREPUBLIC is an ambitious research programme funded by the European Research Council (ERC), focused on one of the most pressing political challenges of our time: understanding the ideas that energize anti-autocratic movements and evaluating how effective those ideas are in persuading and mobilising publics against autocratic rule.

Based in the Department of Politics at the University of Sussex, NEWREPUBLIC brings together a multidisciplinary team including a Principal Investigator, PhD researchers, and professional research staff. The project combines rigorous quantitative methods with real-world policy and public engagement, aiming not only to advance academic knowledge but also to translate research into tangible societal impact.

Your Role

As Research Fellow in Anti-Autocratic Messaging, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering the research agenda. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, you will help design, field, and analyse nationally representative surveys and embedded experiments across three African countries.

Beyond data collection and analysis, this role offers meaningful opportunities to influence the project’s direction, contribute to high-impact publications, and help translate findings into policy-relevant insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-design and analyse large-scale survey experiments on political messaging and public opinion
• Lead quantitative analysis using advanced statistical methods
• Co-author peer-reviewed articles targeting top political science journals
• Present research findings at academic conferences and policy forums
• Support the translation of academic insights into public and policy impact
• Co-organise workshops, policy seminars, and stakeholder events
• Contribute to follow-on research agendas and funding applications
• Collaborate with PhD students and support research coordination where appropriate

About You

You are an early-career researcher with a strong commitment to studying political ideas, messaging, and democratic resilience.

Essential Requirements:

• PhD in Political Science or a closely related discipline
• Strong publication record (relative to career stage) using quantitative methods
• Demonstrated expertise in survey experiments and public opinion research
• Research interests in political messaging, ideology, discourse, or political behaviour

Desirable Experience:

• Experience submitting research funding applications
• Conference presentations and public engagement activities
• Subject expertise in African politics, autocracy, democratic resilience, or protest movements
• Experience in research coordination, supervision, or mentoring

Research Environment

You will be based in the Department of Politics, home to internationally recognised centres including the Centre for the Study of Corruption, the Sussex European Institute, and close collaborators at the Institute of Development Studies. The University also provides tailored professional development for early-career researchers through the Sussex Researcher School.

In the most recent REF, 96% of departmental research outputs were rated world-leading or internationally excellent, reflecting a strong and supportive research culture.

Why Join the University of Sussex

• Work on a beautiful 150-acre campus adjacent to the South Downs National Park
• Excellent transport links, including on-campus rail and bus access
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Comprehensive benefits, including pension schemes and cycle-to-work options
• Be part of a globally recognised, research-intensive university

Visa & Right to Work Information

This role meets the salary and SOC requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship if appointed full-time at the appropriate grade. All work must be undertaken within the UK.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages)
• A CV
• One writing sample (maximum 10,000 words)

Application Deadline: 28 January 2026 (3:59 PM)
Expected Interviews: Week commencing 2 March 2026
Expected Start Date: July 2026

Commitment to Equality & Inclusion

The University of Sussex welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment where diverse perspectives strengthen research excellence.