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

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Uk
January 11, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

About the Project

NEWREPUBLIC is a major research project funded by the European Research Council, focused on one of the defining political challenges of our time: understanding how ideas drive resistance to autocracy, and how effective those ideas are in persuading and mobilising people.

  • The project investigates two central questions:
  • What ideas animate anti-autocratic movements?
  • How effective are these ideas when used as political messages?

As Research Fellow in Anti-Autocratic Messaging, you will be a core member of the project team, working alongside the Principal Investigator, two PhD researchers, and a Project Officer. The role offers intellectual independence, international reach, and strong opportunities for academic and policy impact.

Your Role

You will play a central role in the design, delivery, and analysis of the project’s empirical research. This includes placing nationally representative surveys with embedded survey experiments in three African countries, and leading on the quantitative analysis of resulting data.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Designing and analysing survey experiments and public opinion data
  • Working closely with the Principal Investigator on research design and execution
  • Co-authoring high-quality journal articles for leading political science outlets
  • Translating academic findings into policy-relevant outputs and public engagement
  • Presenting research at international conferences and policy events
  • Co-convening workshops and seminars
  • Contributing to future research agendas and funding applications

You will be encouraged to shape the intellectual direction of the project and to build a research agenda that extends beyond its formal end date.

Research Environment

You will be based in the Department of Politics, which is internationally recognised for excellence in political science research and teaching. The department is home to:

  • The Centre for the Study of Corruption
  • The Sussex European Institute
  • Research strengths in democratic resilience, protest politics, populism, and governance

NEWREPUBLIC also works closely with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS)—ranked first globally in its field—and the School for Progressive Futures.

As an early-career researcher, you will receive structured development support through the Sussex Researcher School, including mentoring, training, and funding guidance.

About You

You will be an ambitious researcher committed to studying anti-autocratic movements and political messaging over the long term.

You will have:

  • A PhD in Political Science or a closely related discipline
  • A publication record appropriate to career stage in high-quality peer-reviewed journals
  • Strong expertise in advanced quantitative methods
  • Demonstrated experience with survey experiments and public opinion research
  • Substantive expertise in political messaging, political behaviour, discourse, or ideology

It would be an advantage if you also bring:

  • Experience presenting at academic conferences
  • Experience with grant writing or funding applications
  • Expertise in African politics, autocracy, democratic resilience, or protest movements
  • Experience supporting or mentoring junior researchers

Why Work at Sussex

The University of Sussex is a research-intensive international university, set on a 150-acre campus beside the South Downs National Park.

Staff benefit from:

  • Excellent public transport links, including Falmer railway station
  • On-campus bus services and cycling infrastructure
  • A Cycle to Work scheme
  • A competitive reward and benefits package

A strong institutional commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality guidance: https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights

Visa and Right to Work

All work for the University must be undertaken in the UK
Right to work guidance: https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work

This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets Skilled Worker visa salary requirements if appointed full-time at Grade 7.4.

Further information:

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

Eligible occupations and salary thresholds:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations

Equality and Inclusion

The University of Sussex values diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive environment for staff and students from all backgrounds
Equality Act 2010 guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

Key Dates

  • Closing date: 28 January 2026 at 3:59 PM
  • Interviews: Week commencing 2 March 2026
  • Expected start date: July 2026

How to Apply

Please submit:

  • A cover letter (maximum two pages)
  • A CV
  • A writing sample (maximum 10,000 words)
  • For full details and to apply, please visit the University of Sussex vacancies page.

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