Postdoctoral Researcher in Political/Social Science at The University of Luxembourg

Postdoc in Political/Social Science at University of Luxembourg

Looking to kick-start your postdoc career in a dynamic and multicultural environment? The University of Luxembourg, a highly international and interdisciplinary research hub, is currently seeking applications for a 12-month postdoctoral researcher position in the exciting WOMEN4PARLIAMENT project. This project aims to dig into the reasons why gender quotas in elections haven’t had the expected impact, looking at electoral systems, candidate characteristics, and how political parties select their candidates. This is your chance to work on something socially relevant and make your mark in the world of political science!

About the University

Founded in 2003, the University of Luxembourg is home to over 6,700 students and more than 2,000 staff members from all corners of the globe. Ranked third worldwide for its “international outlook” by Times Higher Education, this young institution is making waves in fields like Computer Science, European Law, Finance, and, of course, Social Sciences. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary research, the university is the perfect place for ambitious researchers to develop their careers.

What’s the role?

As a postdoctoral researcher, you’ll be working closely with Prof. Anna-Lena Högenauer from the Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE). Your main focus will be to build a comprehensive database on candidates in Luxembourg’s last four national elections, diving into their key characteristics and the internal selection processes of political parties. You’ll also have the chance to conduct interviews with party leaders and work on analysing and publishing your findings.

Here’s what your main tasks will look like:

Building a database of candidates in Luxembourg’s national elections
Gathering political party rules and statutes on candidate selection
Conducting interviews with party leaders about their selection processes
Analysing your findings and collaborating on research publications
Working with the team to apply for additional project funding

What are we looking for?

We’re after someone who has a PhD in Political Science (or a related field) and ideally some experience with either building databases or analysing how candidates are selected within parties. You’ll need to be able to work well both independently and as part of a team, and being comfortable with French or German will be a definite plus, given the research context. If you’ve worked on women in politics before, even better!

Other qualities we’re looking for:

Strong quantitative skills and experience in database creation or candidate selection analysis
Excellent team player but also comfortable working independently
Ability to meet deadlines and stay organised
Previous work in gender politics is a plus
French or German language skills are a bonus

What’s in it for you?

You’ll get to work on a project with real-world social impact, publish your research in peer-reviewed journals, and enjoy the benefits of being part of a supportive, academic team. Plus, the University of Luxembourg offers a competitive salary and a range of social benefits. Not to mention, you’ll be working in a diverse and vibrant academic environment on the Belval Campus, where innovation and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.

Annual gross salary: EUR 83,099 (full-time).

Ready to apply?

We’d love to hear from you! Please submit your application online by 2nd August 2024. Make sure to include:

A cover letter detailing your motivation and relevant experience
Your Curriculum Vitae
The names of three referees

To ensure your application is considered, please submit it through our HR system. Email applications will not be considered. Any questions about the position? Feel free to contact Prof. Anna-Lena Högenauer directly.

The University of Luxembourg is dedicated to fostering inclusion and diversity in all its forms, and we are fully committed to removing any barriers, particularly in terms of gender, during the recruitment and career progression process.

Key Info:

Contract Type: 12 months fixed-term
Start Date: Ideally November 2024 (but we can be flexible)
Location: Belval Campus
Full-Time Hours: 40 hours per week
Job Reference: UOL06591

Explore more: Application page