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

Job Description

The Opportunity

The University of Sussex invites applications for a Research Fellow to join NEWREPUBLIC, a major European Research Council–funded project examining one of the defining political challenges of our time: how ideas shape resistance to autocracy, and how effective those ideas are in persuading and mobilising citizens.

Based in the Politics Department, you will work closely with the Principal Investigator, two PhD researchers, and a Project Officer. You will play a central role in designing, delivering, and analysing three nationally representative survey experiments conducted across three African countries. These surveys sit at the core of the project and will generate original data with significant academic and policy relevance.

Beyond data collection and analysis, you will help shape the intellectual direction of the project, co-author articles for leading political science journals, and contribute to translating research findings into real-world impact. This includes conference presentations, policy-facing events, workshops, and the development of future research funding proposals. The ambition is to build a sustained research agenda that extends beyond the life of the grant, with this role contributing meaningfully to that longer-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-design and implement large-scale survey experiments on political messaging and public opinion.
• Analyse quantitative survey data using advanced statistical methods.
• Co-author high-quality academic publications for submission to leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the strategic development and intellectual direction of the NEWREPUBLIC project.
• Present findings at academic conferences and contribute to policy seminars and workshops.
• Support knowledge exchange and impact activities, translating academic research for non-academic audiences.
• Collaborate on the development of follow-on research proposals and funding applications.

About You

You are an ambitious early-career researcher who wants to place the study of anti-autocratic ideas and political messaging at the centre of your research agenda, both during this project and beyond.

You will have:

• A PhD in political science or a closely related discipline.
• A publication record in highly ranked, peer-reviewed journals, appropriate to career stage, using advanced quantitative methods.
• Demonstrated expertise in survey experiments and public opinion research.
• Research interests in political messaging, political behaviour, discourse, or ideology.

It would be advantageous if you also have:

• Experience presenting research at academic conferences and engaging non-academic audiences.
• Knowledge of African politics, US politics, autocratic regimes, democratic resilience, or anti-autocratic movements.
• Experience contributing to grant applications, research coordination, or mentoring.

About the School

The Politics Department at Sussex is a research-intensive and internationally respected department, home to around 20 faculty members and approximately 600 students. It hosts the globally recognised Centre for the Study of Corruption and the Sussex European Institute, and maintains strong links with the Institute of Development Studies and the School for Progressive Futures.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 96% of departmental research outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The department also demonstrates strong teaching performance, with consistently positive student feedback.

Researchers benefit from dedicated early-career support through the Sussex Researcher School, alongside a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.

Why Work at Sussex?

The University of Sussex is set within a 150-acre campus at the edge of the South Downs National Park, offering a unique combination of natural surroundings and excellent transport connections. Falmer train station is a short walk from campus, with regular bus services and dedicated cycling routes supported by a cycle-to-work scheme.

As a globally recognised, research-led university, Sussex values its people and is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and intellectually stimulating working environment.

Additional Information

• All work for the University must be carried out in the United Kingdom.
• This role meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker sponsorship at full-time Grade 7.4, subject to UK Visas and Immigration criteria.
• Informal enquiries are welcome and can be directed to the Principal Investigator, Dr Dan Paget.
• The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.