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

Job Description

The Opportunity

The University of Sussex is seeking an ambitious and intellectually curious Research Fellow in Anti-Autocratic Messaging to join NEWREPUBLIC, a major research project funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

NEWREPUBLIC addresses two of the most pressing political questions of our time:
What ideas motivate anti-autocratic movements, and how effective are those ideas in persuading and mobilising citizens against autocracy?

As Research Fellow, you will play a central role in delivering this agenda, working closely with the Principal Investigator, two PhD researchers, and a Project Officer. The project involves the design and analysis of nationally representative surveys and embedded survey experiments conducted across three African countries.

You will contribute to every stage of the research lifecycle—from study design and data analysis to publication, dissemination, and policy engagement—while also helping shape the project’s intellectual direction and future trajectory.

What You Will Do

• Design, implement, and analyse cross-national surveys and survey experiments
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator on quantitative research strategy
• Co-author peer-reviewed articles for leading political science journals
• Present findings at international conferences and academic workshops
• Translate research insights into real-world impact through policy seminars and public engagement
• Co-convene workshops and contribute to the development of follow-on research agendas
• Support the preparation of future funding applications to extend the project’s lifespan

This role offers significant scope for intellectual leadership and professional development, particularly for an early-career researcher seeking to build a long-term research agenda around democratic resilience and political persuasion.

About You

You will be motivated by a deep interest in anti-autocratic movements and political messaging, and you will be keen to place these themes at the heart of your research for the duration of the project and beyond.

You will bring:

• A PhD in Political Science or a closely related discipline
• A developing publication record in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals (commensurate with career stage)
• Strong expertise in advanced quantitative methods, particularly survey experiments and public opinion analysis
• Substantive knowledge of political messaging, political behaviour, ideology, or discourse
• Experience in the following areas would be advantageous, though not essential:
• African politics, US politics, autocratic regimes, democratic resilience, or protest movements
• Research coordination, supervision, or mentoring
• Grant writing, conference organisation, or public engagement activities

Research Environment and Support

You will be based in the Department of Politics, which also hosts the internationally recognised Centre for the Study of Corruption. NEWREPUBLIC has strong links with Sussex’s Institute of Development Studies—consistently ranked first globally in the QS World Rankings—as well as the School for Progressive Futures.

As an early-career researcher, you will receive structured support through the Sussex Researcher School, offering professional development, mentoring, and career guidance.

About the School of Law, Politics and Sociology

The Politics department is a research-led unit with a strong international reputation. It is home to around 20 faculty members and 600 students, with recognised strengths in corruption studies, European politics, British politics, party systems, migration, populism, protest, and challenges to democratic governance.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 96% of outputs were rated world-leading or internationally excellent, reflecting the department’s strong research culture and commitment to scholarly impact.

Further information is available via the School’s website.

Why Join the University of Sussex?

Set within 150 acres at the edge of the South Downs, Sussex offers a distinctive and inspiring place to work. The campus is easily accessible, with Falmer railway station a five-minute walk away, frequent bus services, and extensive cycling routes supported by a cycle-to-work scheme.

Sussex is a globally recognised, research-led university, and our success is built on the creativity, diversity, and dedication of our people.

Right to Work and Visa Information

All work for the University of Sussex must be undertaken in the UK.

This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship if appointed full time at Grade 7.4. Applicants are advised to consult the UK Government’s Skilled Worker visa guidance for further details.

How to Apply and Further Information

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter (maximum two pages)
• A CV
• A writing sample (maximum 10,000 words)
• For full details and application instructions, please visit the University of Sussex vacancies page.
• The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
• If you experience technical issues with the application portal or require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process,