Associate Researcher to the department of Political Science

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 researchers 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 international academic environment, welcoming students, researchers, and staff from all over the world. Our research focuses on, among other things, elections, public opinion and democracy, political institutions, and international and European politics. We also conduct studies on environmental policy, corruption, and political ideas and organize research seminars and workshops across all these areas. We provide courses at all levels, in both Swedish and English. According to ShanghaiRanking’s 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, the Department of Political Science is the best in Sweden, ranked 5th in Europe, and 16th in the world. In total, around 1,400 people study with us, and we have around 180 employees.

For more information about the Department, visit our website www.pol.gu.se.

The Department of Political Science invites applications for a position as Associate Researcher to the research project Public Services in Comparative and Historical Perspective. This is a fixed-termed position for 4,5 months, 100% of full-time. General information about the project can be found via the website www.publicservicesproject.org.

Job assignments 

As an Associate Researcher, you are expected to participate in the research activities of the project Public Services in Comparative and Historical Perspective. Your tasks will involve data collection, data compilation, and administrative tasks. You will be expected to find relevant data in libraries and archives, and from other sources, and to process these data as required. You may be asked to code the data and to write reports describing it. Your tasks may also include preparing and writing literature reviews.   

Qualifications 

We are looking for someone who has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, European Studies, or a related field such as Economics, Economic History, or History.

Our ideal candidate is a highly motivated, self-driven individual who is interested in the politics of public services.

The position requires a basic knowledge of quantitative methods and data handling. Previous experience of large data-collection projects is a merit. Good knowledge of word-processing software and spreadsheets is required. working knowledge of R, Stata, or other statistical software is desirable. Experience of GIS software and methods is a plus.

Applicants must have excellent written and oral proficiency in both Swedish and English. Knowledge of another major European language such as French, German, Russian, or Spanish is an asset.

To be successful in this position, you must have an eye for detail and good organizational skills and be able to solve problems and work on several different tasks simultaneously. You need to have very good communication and collaboration skills.

Great emphasis is placed on personal suitability for the position. We will make an overall assessment, and the applicant who is best qualified to carry out and develop the various tasks described above will be appointed.

Employment 

The employment is limited (temporary) for 4,5 months, 100% of full-time and is placed at the Department of Political Science. Starting date: Aug 15th or as agreed.

Contact information for the post 

If you have questions regarding the position, or if you want more details on the project with which the position is associated, please contact Johannes Lindvall, Johannes.Lindvall@gu.se.

If you have any questions regarding the employment procedure, please contact Helena Jensen, Helena.Jensen@gu.se

Unions 

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

Application 

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. 

We kindly ask you to write your application in English as the application may be reviewed by English-speaking staff. It is likely that the selection process will involve both interviews, tests, and reference taking.

The application should include the following:

• A letter of application (max 2 pages) outlining why you are interested in this position, and what you think you can bring to this project. It should clearly show the ways in which the applicant meets the requirements specified above.
• A CV
• A writing sample in English
• A list of at least two references (with contact information) from whom letters of recommendation may be solicited
• Academic records from your Bachelor and/or Master studies

Applications must be received by: 2024-05-23

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services

https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

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.