Offer Description
The Research Institute Transitions is pleased to announce a vacancy for one postdoctoral researcher (f/m) in Social and Political Science. The project CITIZEN IMPACT is funded by a European Research Council starting grant and coordinated by Vincent Jacquet (F.R.S.-FNRS and UNamur).
Synopsis of the CITIZEN_IMPACT project
To improve and even to save contemporary democracies, a remedy has been attracting a large amount of attention: the strengthening of ordinary citizens’ opportunities to deliberate on and directly participate in politics. In this regard, many citizens’ assemblies (CAs) have been implemented by public authorities. Convened through random selection, these assemblies are diversified groups of citizens that deliberate on a public problem and make policy recommendations. Existing research provides detailed descriptions of the internal dynamics of CAs and shows that most citizens are able to deliberate on complex issues. Nevertheless, they fail to identify and explain their more external impacts. In the context of the growing appeal for such mechanisms, CITIZEN_IMPACT asks the fundamental question: are CAs mere window dressing or do they lead to transformations in the functioning of the political system? It offers a systematic account of whether, how and why CAs matter in contemporary European countries by elaborating a new multidimensional conceptualisation of their impact: direct impact on policies (WP 1), indirect impact on civil society (WP 2) and discursive impact on the public sphere (WP 3).
Specific task:
In the CITIZEN_IMPACT project, the postdoctoral researcher will be specifically in charge of the WP1 (CAs influence on policy making processes) and WP2 (CAs connections with civil society organisations and other forms of public participation). In both work packages, the method consists of a comparative case study based on qualitative material (desk analysis and in-depth interviews).
The postdoctoral researcher will be required to spend a period of time abroad (around four months) in two of the foreign countries in which several CAs have already been organized at national and regional level. The choice of countries has yet to be finalized, but the candidates are: Germany, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, UK. Proficiency in the national languages of these countries is a major advantage for this position.
Research environment and working conditions:
The successful candidate will be offered a fully funded position and the opportunity to pursue postdoctoral research with close supervision in an experienced and dynamic project team. The team offers a stimulating working environment in a dynamic and internationally oriented research team. There are also opportunities to take up teaching responsibilities, though this is not required.
The postdoctoral fellow will be employed full-time for a duration of 24 months by the University of Namur (residency in Belgium), starting September 2025. The start date can be negotiated. Her/his monthly salary will be calculated based on the salary scale established at Namur.
The fellow will be affiliated with the University of Namur, within the Research Institute Transitions. Located in the heart of Belgium, Namur is a charming and pleasant city, offering a high quality of life. It is also conveniently situated near Brussels, providing easy access to the capital’s academic and cultural resources.
Where to apply
E-mail: citizen.impact@unamur.be
Requirements
Research Field: Political sciences
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
The candidate must hold a PhD in political social science and/or political science with experiences in qualitative case studies. Demonstrating an interest in policy analysis will be an asset.
The candidate must be in an ‘international mobility situation’, meaning that S/He should not have resided or carried out her/his main activity (job, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 24 months prior to the contract’s start.
The fieldwork will take place in different countries and the candidate will therefore be required to carry out several fieldwork trips abroad.
The candidates must have a strong command of English.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Selection process: The application deadline is May 30, 2025.
Any inquiries about the project and the position may be sent to : citizen.impactunamurbe
Candidates apply by submitting their application, as a form as one PDF document, to citizen.impactunamurbe which must include:
Website for additional job details: https://www.unamur.be/en/transitions
