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

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Uk
January 17, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

About the Project

NEWREPUBLIC is a major research initiative funded by the European Research Council (ERC) that addresses one of the defining political challenges of our time: how societies resist autocracy. The project explores two core questions:

What ideas inspire and sustain anti-autocratic movements?

How effective are these ideas when used as messages to persuade, mobilise and build democratic resilience?

The project brings together cutting-edge political science, experimental research and real-world impact activity. It will deliver nationally representative surveys with embedded experiments across three African countries, generating evidence with both academic and policy relevance.

The Role

As Research Fellow in Anti-Autocratic Messaging, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering the NEWREPUBLIC research agenda. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, two PhD researchers and a Project Officer, you will contribute at every stage of the research lifecycle.

Your work will include designing and implementing survey experiments, analysing large-scale public opinion data, and co-authoring high-impact academic publications aimed at leading political science journals. Beyond academic outputs, you will help translate research findings into practical insights for policymakers, civil society organisations and international audiences.

This role offers genuine intellectual ownership. You will be encouraged to influence the direction of the project, develop new research questions, and help build a longer-term programme of work beyond the life of the grant, including contributing to future funding applications.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

  • Co-design and analyse nationally representative surveys and survey experiments
  • Lead quantitative analysis using advanced statistical and experimental methods
  • Co-author academic articles for top-ranked peer-reviewed journals
  • Contribute to policy engagement and research impact activity
  • Present findings at international conferences, seminars and workshops
  • Support the development of follow-on research agendas and funding bids
  • Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary partners across Sussex and beyond

About You

You are an ambitious and intellectually driven political scientist who wants to place anti-autocratic ideas and messaging at the centre of your research career.

You will have:

  • A PhD in Political Science or a closely related discipline
  • A developing publication record in highly ranked peer-reviewed journals
  • Strong expertise in survey experiments and public opinion research
  • Advanced quantitative and statistical analysis skills
  • Research interests in political messaging, political behaviour, ideology or discourse
  • The following would be advantageous, but are not essential:
  • Experience with African politics, autocratic regimes or democratic resilience
  • Experience presenting at academic conferences or policy forums
  • Involvement in grant writing or research coordination
  • Experience mentoring students or early-career researchers

Research Environment

You will be based in the Department of Politics, part of the School of Law, Politics and Sociology at the University of Sussex. The department is internationally recognised for research excellence and hosts world-leading centres including:

  • The Centre for the Study of Corruption
  • The Sussex European Institute

Strong links with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and the School for Progressive Futures

The department consistently performs at the highest level in national research assessments, with the vast majority of outputs rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Early-career researchers benefit from structured development support through the Sussex Researcher School.

Why Join the University of Sussex

Set within a 150-acre campus at the foot of the South Downs, the University of Sussex offers a unique working environment that combines academic excellence with quality of life. The campus is well connected via rail, bus and cycling routes, with Falmer Station just minutes away.

Sussex is a globally respected, research-intensive university, and its success is driven by a diverse and inclusive community of staff and students. We are committed to equality, inclusion and supporting researchers at all career stages.

Employment, Research Governance and Visa Information

  • All work must be undertaken in the UK
  • This role meets the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship if appointed full-time at Grade 7.4
  • Eligibility depends on Home Office rules and individual circumstances

Relevant UK Government guidance:

How to Apply

Please submit:

  • A cover letter (maximum two pages)
  • A full academic CV
  • A writing sample (maximum 10,000 words)

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

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