1 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the project “Authoritarianism 2.0” in Netherlands | Leiden University

Institute of Political Science

The Institute of Political Science of Leiden University has 40 faculty members, including many non-Dutch scholars, consistently receives high peer-reviewed ratings of its teaching and research programs, and houses a number of editorships of international refereed journals.

Vacancy number: 13-248

Duties and responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow is taking part in the research project "Authoritarianism2.0: The Internet, Political Discussion, and Authoritarian Rule in China," funded by the European Research Council (Starting Grant). In authoritarian regimes social media have often been described as 'liberation technology' that may potentially destabilize authoritarian rule. What is it about social media that mobilizes people to act, and what kind of social media, such as blogs or Twitter, are more influential than others? This five-year project investigates these questions in the context of China. Relying on qualitative and quantitative research methods, the project brings together a research team of one postdoctoral fellow and two PhD research assistants. Under the supervision of the principal investigator Daniela Stockmann, the postdoc will conduct research, writing, and organizational tasks.

Requirements

The position requires a PhD in Political Science, Communication, Psychology, Sociology, Methodology, Chinese Studies, or a related discipline; thorough knowledge of social science research and data collection methods (qualitative and quantitative); strong skills in statistical analysis; and fluency in Chinese (Mandarin). Prior experience with fieldwork in China, survey development, experiments, or digital research methods are a plus. Position responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, collecting data as a member of a research team, analyzing data, contributing to scholarly publications and research reports based on results, maintaining research records, and aiding in conference organization. The successful candidate should be a team player and be able to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and multicultural environment.

What we offer

The position is fulltime with a preferred starting date of June 1, 2014. The researcher will be offered a two-year contract with the possibility of extension for up to four years under the terms of the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. Travel to China, conference travel, and further training is supported by the project.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (Salary scale 11) € 3259, - per month gross, with additional holiday and end-of-year bonuses. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. Leiden University is an equal opportunity employer.

How to apply

Applications (in English) should include:

• Cover letter explaining the candidate's scholarly career, academic interests, prior experience and skills contributing to the position, and prospective or actual doctoral defense date;
• Current curriculum vitae including publications;
• One writing sample (limit of 40 pages);
• Three references to be directly sent by referees.

All documents should be sent electronically to Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε. by January 15, 2014. This position will remain open until filled. We will send an acknowledgement email confirming receipt of your application within three working days. If you do not receive a confirmation within three days please phone us directly at +31 71 5273427.