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

Automotive Jobs
Uk
January 1, 2026
Full Time Permanent
Apply Now

Job Description

The Opportunity

The University of Sussex is recruiting a Research Fellow to join NEWREPUBLIC, a major European Research Council–funded project examining one of the defining political challenges of our era: how societies resist autocracy, and which ideas most effectively mobilise people against it.

This role offers a rare opportunity to help shape a high-profile international research agenda from the ground up. You will work closely with the Principal Investigator, Dr Dan Paget, alongside doctoral researchers and a project officer, contributing intellectually and practically to every stage of the project’s development.

At the heart of the project are large-scale, nationally representative surveys and survey experiments conducted across three African countries. Your work will directly inform academic publications, policy engagement, and future research funding bids.

What You Will Do

As Research Fellow, you will play a central role in both research delivery and impact generation. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Designing and implementing cross-national survey experiments on political messaging and public opinion
  • Analysing quantitative data using advanced statistical methods
  • Co-authoring peer-reviewed articles for leading political science journals
  • Translating academic findings into policy-relevant outputs and public engagement materials
  • Presenting findings at international conferences and policy forums
  • Co-organising workshops, seminars, and collaborative research events
  • Contributing to future grant applications and follow-on research agendas
  • You will have meaningful scope to influence the direction of the project and to build a long-term research profile beyond its formal end.

About You

This role is ideal for an early-career researcher who intends to make the study of anti-autocratic ideas and political persuasion a core part of their academic career.

Essential criteria

  • A completed PhD in Political Science or a closely related discipline
  • A developing publication record in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals
  • Demonstrated expertise in quantitative research methods
  • Strong experience with survey research and survey experiments
  • Research interests aligned with political messaging, political behaviour, ideology, or discourse

Desirable experience

  • Knowledge of African politics, autocratic regimes, democratic resilience, or protest movements
  • Experience presenting research at academic conferences
  • Involvement in funding applications or grant development
  • Experience in research coordination, supervision, or mentoring
  • Engagement with policy audiences or public-facing research outputs

Research Environment

You will be based in the Department of Politics, a vibrant and research-intensive department with strong international standing. The department hosts the globally recognised Centre for the Study of Corruption and works closely with:

  • The Institute of Development Studies
  • The Sussex European Institute
  • The School for Progressive Futures

Early-career researchers benefit from tailored professional development through the Sussex Researcher School, offering training in grant writing, publishing strategies, and career progression.

Why Join the University of Sussex?

The University of Sussex combines world-class research with an exceptional quality of life. Located next to the South Downs National Park, the campus offers excellent transport links, green spaces, and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing.

The University is a licensed sponsor under the UK Skilled Worker route and complies fully with national employment and immigration regulations, including:

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

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Sussex is committed to building an inclusive academic community. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Please submit:

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

Application deadline: 28 January 2026 (15:59 GMT)
Expected interviews: Week commencing 2 March 2026

Related Jobs