Our De- and Re-Democratization (DRD) Workgroup invites applications for two 2-year positions of postdoctoral research fellows.

The successful candidates are expected to carry out independent empirical research on the origins, dynamics, or consequences of political polarization in modern democracies. We particularly welcome systematic research on the following aspects:

• The manifestations and dynamics of polarizing conflicts in the public sphere;
• The democratic dimension of political polarization (mutual perceptions of adversaries as “democratic threats”);
• Explanations of citizen support for democratic norm violations under conditions of polarization;
• Political remedies against polarization.

We would be pleased to receive proposals of comparative research on the Global South (as well as candidacies by scholars in the Global South). In the spirit of theoretical and methodological pluralism, we are open to quantitative as well as qualitative approaches.

Qualifications

We seek applicants with a record (or strong promise) of relevant and internationally recognized publications in the research area, familiarity with current political affairs, and a keen interest in networking and institution building. Candidates must have excellent written and oral proficiency in English. They must have a PhD in hand at the deadline of application.

What we offer

We offer a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience as well as a dynamic and international academic environment.

Mobility

The successful candidates will be encouraged to spend a short time (for example three months) in one of the external partner institutions of the International Polarization Observatory (Science Po in Paris and LSE in London). This mobility scheme allows postdoctoral fellows from these institutions to showcase and develop their research in different contexts, with different research partners and specialties.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants need to submit:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Envisioned individual research project on political polarization: title, abstract, and project outline (1000 words maximum, without bibliography)
• Job market paper
• Names and contact details of two scholars who could supply recommendation letters in case the candidate is shortlisted for the job. The referees will be contacted by CEU DI.

Please send your complete application package as one single pdf file to: advert011@ceu.edu – including job code in subject line: 2023/011

Informal inquiries can be addressed to Andreas Schedler, lead researcher of the DRD Workgroup and Chair of the Search Committee.

Application deadline: March 15, 2023

Interviews of shortlisted candidates are expected to take place online in April 2023.

Starting date: July 1, 2023 (exact date negotiable)

CEU is an equal opportunity employer and values geographical and gender diversity, thus encouraging applications from women and/or other underrepresented groups. Since CEU strives to increase the share of women in professorial positions, given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants. Previous training, work experience and/or engagement with matters of equality, diversity and inclusion at the organizational level will be an asset.

CEU recognizes that personal and family circumstances shape the trajectory of one’s career and working patterns. We encourage applicants to detail periods of leave, part-time work or other such situations in their applications so that the Search Committee can assess an applicant’s academic record fairly in the context of their circumstances. Any declaration of personal and family circumstances is voluntary and will be handled confidentially and only considered in so far as it impacts on the academic career of an applicant.