Postdoctoral Fellow in International Relations

The Department of Economic History and International Relations is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in International Relations (IR). The department is a dynamic and strong education and research department at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Stockholm University. It aims to be nationally leading and internationally prominent within its field of research and education, focusing especially on the three IR sub-fields of International Relations; International Security, International Institutions, and International Political Economy (IPE). More information can be found at The Department of Economic History and International Relations.

Project description

After a period of hyperglobalization, protectionist policies have become more entrenched over the past decade. States have produced a slew of domestic subsidies, investment regulations, and labor migration policies––policies that can benefit certain industries, but are likely to curtail growth and multilateral economic cooperation. Why some citizens support protectionism that is costly to them, while others do not, is the central puzzle that the ERC-funded project “PROTECT – Protectionism in Place: Explaining How Subnational Change Affects Public Support for Protectionism”. It will focus on the effects of changing local circumstances on public attitudes towards protectionism. For this purpose, the project will collect new survey and subnational context data from select western and non-western countries. 

Main responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct research within the ERC-project “PROTECT – Protectionism in Place: Explaining How Subnational Change Affects Public Support for Protectionism”. As a postdoctoral researcher within the project, you will primarily work with the collection and analysis of new subnational data from official statistics, meteorological re-analysis, and satellite data, and be responsible for analyzing and mapping the data. You will analyze the data in relation to survey data to examine how changing local circumstances affect public attitudes towards protectionism. This involves methods such as machine learning and instrumental variables estimation, as well as an application of a machine learning–based extension of the standard difference-in-differences (DID) approach to evaluate policy in relation to public opinion. Hence, fluency in machine learning methods, programming in Python, as well as knowledge of neural nets are important merits. You will be part of a collaborative research group engaged in quantitative research on the effects of changing local circumstances on public support for protectionism. Additionally, the postdoctoral fellow is expected to participate in the Higher Seminar in International Relations at the Department of Economic History and International Relations. 

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

Special emphasis will be placed on the scientific experience of the candidate. We are particularly interested in candidates with merits in research relevant for International Relations. For this position, we are seeking candidates that are fluent in machine learning, programming languages such as python, and a robust understanding of neural networks. Additional merits include capacity to work in an international cross-disciplinary team of researchers. The candidate must have excellent skills in academic written English. 

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement, preferably in June 2026.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Lisa Dellmuth, lisa.dellmuth@su.se, professor and project leader, or from Johan Svanberg, johan.svanberg@su.se, professor and Head of Department.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.