Associate Researcher to the Department of Political Science with a focus on political

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Political Science is an open and socially engaged institution, in the middle of the city and in the middle of the debate. Our research revolves around elections, democracy, corruption, forms of government, globalization, the environment and politics, as well as European issues. The department hosts research programs such as the Center for Collective Action Research (CeCAR), the QoG Institute, Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Governance and Local Development (GLD) and the Swedish Electoral Research Program. We have education at all levels, undergraduate advanced level and postgraduate level, as well as independent courses. Teaching is given in both Swedish and English. In total, about 1,400 people study with us. The Department of Political Science has around 160 employees.

The project "Political Inequality in European Welfare Systems" deals with unequal responsiveness in Europe. Several recent studies have found unequal policy responsiveness; the policy preferences of high-income citizens are better reflected in implemented policies than the policy preferences of low-income citizens. This has been found mainly in a few studies from the US and a small number of single-country studies from Western Europe. However, there is a lack of comparative studies that stake out the terrain across a broader group of countries. We analyze survey data on policy preferences of about 3,000 policy proposals from 30 European countries over a period of nearly 40 years, combined with information on whether each policy proposal was implemented. The project deals both with questions regarding unequal responsiveness between different groups within countries as well to trying to explain country level differences in responsiveness between countries.

The Department of Political Science and the research project Political Inequality in European Welfare Systems is now seeking an Associate Researcher for 5 months on a full-time basis.

The associate researcher is expected to conduct research with a focus on the main issues in the project “Political inequality in European welfare systems” in collaboration with the research leader and with the others in the team. More specifically, it is about analyzing and publishing research using the data collected in the project. The data material consists of a database containing information on a) opinions on policy proposals in different groups and b) implementation of the policy proposals. The project deals with the questions a) Who gets what in European political welfare states? And b) is responsiveness unequally distributed?

The Associate Researcher position is open to candidates who have received a Master’s degree in Political science or related field. Very good Swedish and English is required. 

Applicants will primarily be judged on the basis of scientific skill in research on political opinion and behavior with a special focus on areas relevant to the project Political inequality in European welfare systems. One or more of the following is also scientifically meritorious:

• An innovative project proposal of high scientific quality, which falls within the framework of, and preferably further develops the project.
• Advanced knowledge of data analysis
• Previous scientific publications in the field of policy responsiveness and / or political representation.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

The employment is limited in time to five months to a full-time extent, 100% with placement at the Department of Political Science.
First day of employment: by agreement

If you have questions about the employment, you are welcome to contact

Information about the employment is provided by research leader and professor Mikael Persson
E-mail: mikael.persson.3@ gu.se
Phone + 46 31 786 1243

Questions about the recruitment procedure can be asked to the administrative manager Åsa Adin
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: + 46 31 756 6994

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande  

Please submit the following information with your application:
- Letter of Application elaborating on how the applicant meet the requirements
- CV
- A writing sample of an essay/publication.

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. 

Applications must be received by: 2022-07-19

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.