Post-doctoral Researcher in Political Sciences (DEPOLARIZE Project) SWPS University in Poland

SWPS University, a leading non-public academic institution in Poland, invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher position in Political Sciences, based in Warsaw. The university is recognized for its excellence in research, particularly in psychology, politics, and administration, and fosters a multicultural and open environment for academic growth.

This postdoctoral role is part of the EU-funded DEPOLARIZE project, which investigates affective polarization and democratic attitudes. The project aims to identify experimental interventions to reduce affective polarization and establish causal links between polarization and democratic backsliding, using data from surveys conducted in Hungary, Poland, Turkey, and the United States.

The successful candidate will join the Institute of Social Sciences and contribute to organizing round-table discussions, literature reviews, developing research tools (surveys), coordinating with research agencies, analyzing data, reporting results, and disseminating findings at international conferences and seminars. The position also involves publishing high-quality academic research within the DEPOLARIZE project.

Applicants must hold a PhD in political sciences or a related discipline (sociology, anthropology), possess advanced quantitative methodology skills, and have experience with opinion poll/survey analysis and experimental projects. A strong interest or research record in democracy studies, democratic backsliding, and affective polarization is essential, along with expert knowledge of contemporary Polish politics. Proficiency in Stata and/or R programming, and excellent command of both English and Polish (spoken and written) are required.

The position offers a 12-month contract with a competitive salary of 14,000 PLN gross-gross per month, hybrid work options, bonuses for high-scoring publications, academic development support, conference participation, commercialization support, and an attractive benefits package including discounts on university courses, subsidized healthcare, gym and fitness benefits, psychological support, and group life insurance.

Required documents include an academic CV detailing research achievements, publications, awards, and competencies, a scanned copy of the doctoral degree, and a statement confirming language proficiency. The application deadline is April 25, 2026. Successful candidates will be announced on April 30, 2026, and the position commences on May 1, 2026. Applications should be submitted via the online application form, referencing ref. no. 1157/INS/WWA/26. For further information, contact Zuzanna Świtalska at [email protected].

The Competition Committee, chaired by Professor Mikołaj Cześnik and including Associate Professors Marta Żerkowska-Balas and Selim Erdem Aytaç, will evaluate candidates based on research achievements, competencies, and experience. Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

This is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers with expertise in political science, sociology, or anthropology to contribute to a high-impact international project and advance their academic careers at SWPS University.