Postdoctoral Researcher on the Emotional Dynamics in Protective Policies

Postdoctoral Researcher Position: Investigating Emotional Dynamics in Protective Policies*

The Department of Politics and International Relations (PAIR) at the University of Southampton, UK, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (100% FTE) to join the Horizon Europe project PROTEMO. This interdisciplinary project, spanning from 2024 to 2026, delves into the emotional underpinnings of protective policies and their ramifications on individuals, citizen groups, non-citizens, democratic governance, and political mobilization.

Led by Dr. Tereza Capelos, Associate Professor in Political Psychology at PAIR, the Southampton team is at the forefront of groundbreaking research aimed at understanding the emotional dynamics shaping contemporary political landscapes.

Project Overview:

Website: PROTEMO

Responsibilities:

• Engage in conceptual and empirical research on emotionality in politics, focusing on themes such as insecurity, anger, hope, and pride within the context of grievance and populist politics.
• Utilize a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, including focus groups, interviews, surveys, and document analysis, to explore the role of emotions in public opinion and policy dynamics.
• Analyse research findings and disseminate results through academic publications, conference presentations, and other dissemination activities.
• Contribute to project organization and participate in project-related events and activities.
• Attend regular meetings with the local project team and the European consortium.
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the University of Southampton through participation in seminars, workshops, and departmental meetings.

Selection Criteria: Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD in Political Science, Political Psychology, or a related discipline, focusing on the psychological dynamics of emotionality, insecurity, and populist politics, using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Demonstrate an emerging publication record in key debates on emotionality, populism, and political decision-making.
• Possess expertise in the design, implementation, and analysis of focus group and interview data, with familiarity in survey data analysis being desirable.
• Exhibit project management and data management skills, preferably in the context of qualitative and quantitative projects.
• Show active engagement with the field of political psychology through participation in conferences, workshops, and other knowledge exchange events.
• Have proficiency in English, with proficiency or near-proficiency in French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Portuguese, or German being desirable.

Information: For inquiries about the project and the position, please contact Dr. Tereza Capelos at t.capelos@soton.ac.uk. For further information about the PAIR Department, please contact Head of Department, Pia Riggirozzi at p.riggirozzi@soton.ac.uk. 

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply. The University of Southampton promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its activities.

Apply Now to Be Part of Groundbreaking Research in Political Psychology!

*Please note, upon appointment the job title will be Research Fellow. 

Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

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