Research Fellow in the Ideas of Anti-Autocratic Movements(UK Sponsorship)

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Uk
May 12, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

Project Overview

This Research Fellow position is part of NEWREPUBLIC, a major European Research Council-funded project examining:

What ideas shape and drive anti-autocratic movements across Africa?

The project brings together a principal investigator, research fellows, a PhD researcher, and a communications specialist to analyse how political ideas circulate within resistance and democratic movements.

The role sits within a highly interdisciplinary environment, connected to:

  • Centre for the Study of Corruption (Sussex)
    Institute of Development Studies (IDS)
    School for Global Studies

Role Purpose

The Research Fellow will play a central intellectual and analytical role in the NEWREPUBLIC project, contributing to both collaborative and independent research outputs.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Ideological foundations of anti-autocratic movements
    Political discourse and meaning-making in African contexts
    Content analysis of movement-generated texts and speeches

Key Responsibilities

Research & Data Analysis

Co-lead the development of a large, multi-country dataset of political speech and movement discourse
Apply structured content analysis techniques to political texts
Identify ideological patterns across anti-autocratic movements

Independent Research

  • Design and lead an individual research project aligned with NEWREPUBLIC themes
    Extend or challenge existing theoretical frameworks within the project
    Produce high-quality academic outputs for peer-reviewed journals

Academic Outputs

  • Co-author at least three journal articles with the project team
    Present findings at international academic conferences
    Contribute to grant proposals and future funding applications

Dissemination & Engagement

  • Support international dissemination of project findings
    Contribute to public-facing outputs such as policy briefs or academic events
    Engage with broader scholarly debates on democracy and authoritarianism

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements

  • PhD in Political Science or a closely related discipline
    Strong publication record appropriate to career stage

Expertise in:

  • Authoritarian politics and democratic resistance
    African political systems or movements
    Ideology, discourse, or political meaning-making
    Experience with structured or rule-based content analysis methods
    Strong research design and analytical skills

Language Requirements

  • Fluency in English
    Additional language fluency at C1 level or higher, ideally spoken in Africa

Advantageous languages include:

  • French
    Portuguese
    Swahili
    Luganda

Desirable Experience

  • Regional expertise in Francophone, Lusophone, or East African politics
    Experience in academic supervision or research coordination
    Public engagement (e.g., policy writing, op-eds, seminars)

Research Proposal Requirement

Applicants must submit:

  • A research proposal (max 1,000 words) outlining an independent project that builds on or challenges NEWREPUBLIC’s core ideas
    A writing sample (up to 10,000 words)
    A cover letter (max 2 pages)
    A full CV

Research Environment

The project is embedded in a leading political science department with strengths in:

  • Corruption and governance studies
    Party politics and democratic systems
    Protest movements and political change
    Migration, citizenship, and global politics

The department is internationally recognised for high research quality and strong teaching performance.

Why This Role Matters

This fellowship is designed as an early-career academic development opportunity, offering:

  • Direct collaboration on a major European Research Council project
    Exposure to international academic networks
    Structured support for publishing and career progression
    A pathway into long-term academic research careers

Working Environment & Benefits

  • Academic Setting
    Research-intensive university environment
    Strong links to international development and political research institutions
    Collaborative interdisciplinary research culture

Employee Support

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

University of Sussex Equality & Diversity
actively encourages applications from all backgrounds and promotes inclusive academic participation.

Location & Campus

The role is based at the University of Sussex campus near the South Downs National Park, offering:

Governance & Research Frameworks

Relevant institutional and research governance bodies include:

Application Details

  • Closing Date: 23 June 2026
    Interview (Remote): Week commencing 20 July 2026
    Start Date: January 2027 (or earlier by agreement)
    Required Documents: CV, cover letter, writing sample, research proposal

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