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

Job Description

About the Opportunity

The University of Sussex invites applications for a Research Fellow in Anti-Autocratic Messaging to join NEWREPUBLIC, an ambitious research programme funded by the European Research Council.

NEWREPUBLIC addresses two pressing global questions:
What ideas inspire resistance to autocracy, and how effective are those ideas in persuading and mobilising people?

As Research Fellow, you will play a central intellectual and operational role in the project, working closely with the Principal Investigator, two PhD researchers, and a Project Officer. This role offers the opportunity not only to contribute to high-impact scholarship, but also to shape how academic research informs real-world political debate and policy.

Your Role in the Project

You will be deeply involved in the core research and impact activities of NEWREPUBLIC, including:

• Designing, implementing, and analysing nationally representative survey experiments across three African countries
• Working closely with the Principal Investigator on research design, data analysis, and interpretation
• Co-authoring articles for submission to leading political science journals
• Presenting findings at international academic conferences
• Translating research into policy-relevant outputs and public engagement activities
• Co-leading policy seminars, workshops, and stakeholder events
• Contributing to the development of follow-on research agendas and funding applications

The project is designed to be collaborative and forward-looking, with clear scope for extending the research programme beyond the lifetime of the grant.

Research Environment

You will be based in the Department of Politics, home to the internationally recognised Centre for the Study of Corruption. NEWREPUBLIC also maintains close links with:

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

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

About You

We are looking for a scholar who wants to place the study of anti-autocratic ideas and political messaging at the centre of their research agenda, both during this project and beyond.

Essential criteria:

• A completed PhD in Political Science or a closely related discipline
• A publication record in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals, appropriate to career stage
• Strong expertise in quantitative methods, particularly survey experiments and public opinion analysis
• Research interests aligned with political messaging, political behaviour, discourse, or ideology

Desirable experience:

• Submitting or contributing to research funding applications
• Presenting at academic conferences and engaging non-academic audiences
• Expertise in African politics, autocracy, democratic resilience, protest movements, or comparative politics
• Experience in research coordination, supervision, or mentoring

About the Department of Politics

Politics at Sussex is a research-led department with an outstanding international reputation. It comprises 20 faculty members and around 600 students, with research strengths spanning corruption and governance, European politics, party systems, migration, protest politics, populism, and democratic challenges.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 96% of outputs were rated world-leading or internationally excellent, reflecting the Department’s commitment to impactful scholarship and high-quality teaching.

Why Join the University of Sussex?

The University of Sussex offers a distinctive working environment set within a 150-acre campus at the edge of the South Downs, with excellent transport links via Falmer train station and local bus routes. The University actively supports sustainable travel through cycling infrastructure and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Sussex is a globally recognised, research-intensive university that values its people and fosters an inclusive, collaborative academic culture.

Visa and Right to Work Information

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

Applicants may find the following UK Government resources helpful:

Right to work in the UK guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk

Equality Act 2010 guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

Informal Enquiries and How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter (maximum two pages)
• A CV
• A writing sample (maximum 10,000 words)
• Applications must be submitted via the University of Sussex vacancies portal.

The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process are available on request.