Two PhD positions in political science

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Research Group on Multilevel Politics (MLP) led by Christian Freudlsperger at the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS) of ETH Zurich is seeking applications for two 4-year (100%) doctoral researcher positions. The positions are to be filled as soon as possible. The positions are funded by the SNSF Starting Grant “Public Reinsurance in Multilevel Polities” (EUROPE RE).

Project background

The doctoral researchers will work in the project “Public Reinsurance in Multilevel Polities” (EUROPE RE). The five-year project is funded as a Starting Grant by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). EUROPE RE seeks to develop a novel understanding of the European Union as a provider of “public reinsurance” that offers back-up support to member states in case they are overburdened by global and transboundary crises. The project aims to develop the concept of public reinsurance, measure its empirical occurrence, investigate public and elite support, and analyse its normative consequences. An overview of the project’s research agenda was recently published here .

Job description

Together with EUROPE RE’s team of research assistants, postdocs, and the group leader, the two doctoral researchers are to advance the conceptual and empirical analysis of public reinsurance in the EU. This includes a novel dataset on EU-level capacities for transboundary risk management, the collection of public opinion data by means of a conjoint survey experiment, and the investigation of elite preferences by means of quantitative text analysis. Strong methodological training and knowledge of state-of-the-art survey and text analysis methods are considered an asset.

Your profile

• Completed Masters degree (or very close to completion) in political science, European studies, or a related discipline
• Experience in conducting empirical research in the area of European studies and/or multilevel governance
• Strong methodological training; experience with survey experiments and/or quantitative text analysis desirable
• Excellent written and spoken English

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

• One of the most vibrant research environments in European political science, through close collaboration with the European Politics Research Group at ETH and through the Center for International Studies (ETH and UZH)
• 4-year (100%) work contract
• Competitive salary in accordance with ETH’s remuneration regulations
• Additional funding for research activities, e.g. conference travel, methods training, data collection, etc.
• Family-friendly work environment with the possibility for flexible working hours and home office

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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application by 15 April 2024 with the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Copies of degree certificate(s)
• Contact details of two people willing to serve as academic references

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Christian Freudlsperger via [email protected] (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
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cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
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