PhD and Postdoc Positions in Anti-Autocratic Movements, Politics, and African Studies at University of Sussex University of Sussex in United Kingdom

The University of Sussex is offering two fully-funded PhD studentships and one postdoctoral fellowship as part of the European Research Council (ERC) project NEWREPUBLIC, focusing on anti-autocratic movements in African countries. The project investigates the ideas and philosophies that animate people power movements, such as those in Tanzania and Zimbabwe, and aims to generate practitioner-oriented conclusions about democratic struggle and political ideology in Africa.

PhD students will join a team led by Dr. Dan Paget, with co-supervision from Dr. Hannah Richter and Prof. Paul Taggart. The research will involve independent projects aligned with the project's goals, including qualitative methodologies such as elite and non-elite interviews, ethnographic and netnographic research, and analysis of texts and images. Students will also contribute to content analysis of movement speeches, organization of workshops, and policy seminars with activists and stakeholders.

The studentships cover tuition fees (domestic or international, with funding for one international student), a tax-free bursary at UKRI rates (£20,780 and rising), a research budget for at least six months of fieldwork, and support for conference travel and project events. The postdoctoral position offers a salary of £38,784 to £46,049 per annum, fixed-term for 9 months with possible extension.

Eligibility for the PhD requires a master's degree (completed or near completion) and an undergraduate degree in politics, philosophy, African studies, or a related social science or humanities discipline, ideally at distinction/first level. Applicants must demonstrate insight into anti-autocratic movements in Africa, submit a strong research proposal, and have expertise in African politics. Proficiency in an African language other than English (B2 level or higher) is required, with French and Portuguese particularly valued. Desirable qualifications include methodological expertise in political ideology or discourse analysis, experience in field research in Africa, and engagement with democracy movements or related organizations.

The University of Sussex is renowned for its research in politics, autocratisation, and political ideology, and offers extensive training and support for postgraduate researchers. The campus is located near Brighton, a vibrant UK city ranked highly for quality of life. The NEWREPUBLIC project is closely linked to the Centre for the Study of Corruption and the Institute for Development Studies at Sussex.

Applications for the PhD studentships must be submitted via the Sussex Postgraduate application system by 6 March 2026. Applicants should select the PhD in Politics (September 2026 entry) and indicate their interest in the studentship in the Finance & Fees section. Required documents include a statement of interest, research proposal, CV, transcripts, certificates, and two academic references. For the postdoc position, applications are accepted through the Sussex jobs portal. For queries, contact [email protected] or Dr. Dan Paget at [email protected].