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

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Uk
December 28, 2025
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

About the Project

NEWREPUBLIC is a major research initiative funded by the European Research Council, focused on one of the defining political challenges of our era: how citizens resist autocracy, and which ideas successfully mobilise and persuade people to do so.

The project combines large-scale, nationally representative surveys with embedded experimental designs across three African countries. Its goal is not only to advance academic knowledge, but also to translate research findings into meaningful policy and public impact.

The Role

As Research Fellow in Anti-Autocratic Messaging, you will be a central contributor to the intellectual, methodological, and collaborative life of the NEWREPUBLIC project. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, two PhD researchers, and a Project Officer, you will help shape both the research outputs and the longer-term agenda of the project.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Co-designing and implementing cross-national survey experiments
  • Analysing public opinion data using advanced quantitative methods
  • Co-authoring articles for leading peer-reviewed political science journals
  • Presenting findings at international academic conferences
  • Contributing to policy-facing outputs, workshops, and stakeholder seminars
  • Supporting the development of follow-on research ideas and funding proposals

This role offers genuine scope to influence the direction of the project, build a strong publication profile, and deepen engagement with policy and public audiences.

Research Environment

The post is based in the Politics Department at the University of Sussex, home to the internationally recognised Centre for the Study of Corruption. The project also benefits from close collaboration with:

  • The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) – consistently ranked first globally in Development Studies
  • The School for Progressive Futures

You will also receive structured professional development support through the Sussex Researcher School, with a strong emphasis on early-career researcher progression.

About You

You will be motivated by research that speaks directly to contemporary democratic challenges and committed to building a sustained research agenda in this field.

Essential criteria:

  • A PhD in Political Science or a closely related discipline
  • A publication record appropriate to career stage in well-regarded peer-reviewed journals
  • Demonstrated expertise in survey experiments and public opinion research
  • Strong quantitative research skills

Desirable experience includes:

  • Research on political messaging, ideology, discourse, or political behaviour
  • Substantive knowledge of African politics, autocratic regimes, or democratic resilience
  • Experience presenting at conferences or engaging non-academic audiences
  • Involvement in grant writing, research coordination, or academic mentoring

About the Department

Politics at Sussex is a research-intensive department with an outstanding reputation. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 96% of outputs were rated world-leading or internationally excellent. The department also delivers a successful MSc in Corruption and Governance, alongside a vibrant undergraduate and postgraduate teaching community.

Why Join Sussex?

Located next to the South Downs National Park, the Sussex campus offers an exceptional working environment with excellent transport links, including a nearby train station and dedicated cycling infrastructure.

Sussex is a globally recognised, research-led university that values collaboration, inclusion, and academic freedom. We are committed to supporting our staff at every career stage.

You can explore relevant UK government information linked to working, research, and visas below:

Skilled Worker Visa eligibility:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Employment rights in the UK:
https://www.gov.uk/employment-status

Application Process

To apply, please submit:

  • A cover letter (maximum two pages)
  • A current CV
  • One writing sample (up to 10,000 words)

Closing date: 29 January 2026 (04:59 AM UK time)
Expected interviews: Week commencing 2 March 2026

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