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

Job Description

About the Role

This position sits within NEWREPUBLIC, a major European Research Council-funded project exploring the ideas that shape anti-autocratic movements across Africa. With a total funding of €1.5 million, the project aims to better understand how political ideas emerge, evolve, and influence democratic struggles.

As a Research Fellow, you will play a central role in the project, working closely with the principal investigator, another postdoctoral researcher, a PhD student, and a communications specialist.

This is not just a support role—you will actively contribute to shaping the research direction and outputs, while also developing your own independent academic profile.

What You’ll Be Doing

Your work will combine collaborative and independent research responsibilities:

• Co-leading the project’s content analysis workstream, focusing on political speech and movement narratives across multiple African countries
  Building and analysing a large, multi-country dataset of movement discourse
  Designing and delivering your own research project that expands or challenges the project’s core ideas
  Contributing to at least three peer-reviewed academic publications
  Presenting findings at international conferences and academic events
  Supporting dissemination activities and future research funding applications

Research Environment

You will be based at University of Sussex, working within a vibrant academic network that includes:

• The Centre for the Study of Corruption
  The Institute of Development Studies
  The School for Progressive Futures

You’ll also benefit from structured support through the Sussex Researcher School, designed to help early-career academics grow and succeed.

About You

This role is suited to someone deeply interested in political ideas, democratic movements, and African politics.

Essential Requirements

• A PhD in Political Science or a closely related discipline
  A track record of academic publications appropriate to your career stage

Strong expertise in:

• Autocratic systems or democratic movements in Africa
  Text-based or rule-governed content analysis methods
  The study of ideology, discourse, or political meaning-making
  Fluency (C1 level or above) in at least one African language (excluding English)
  A well-developed proposal for an independent research project (max. 1,000 words)

Desirable Skills

• Regional expertise (e.g., Francophone, Lusophone, or East Africa)
  Experience in supervising or managing research activities
  Public engagement experience (e.g., policy work, media contributions, or public talks)

About the Department

The Politics department at Sussex is highly regarded for both teaching and research. It hosts a diverse academic community and is known for work on governance, corruption, political movements, and global political change.

Its research outputs have consistently been rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, reflecting a strong and supportive academic culture.

Why Join This Role

• Opportunity to work on a high-impact, internationally funded research project
  Strong support for early-career academic development
  Access to leading research centres and networks
  Chance to build a strong publication record and research profile
  Collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment

Additional Information

• This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship (subject to eligibility)
  Work must be carried out within the UK
  Interviews are expected to take place remotely

Useful UK Government Resources

• Skilled Worker Visa
  UK Visas and Immigration
  Right to Work in the UK
  Graduate Visa Route
  National Minimum Wage & Employment Rights