Stefanie Bailer

The Department of Political Science at the University of Basel, Switzerland, invites applications for a PhD position within the project “Electoral choice. Which role does legislators' quality play,” funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF). This collaborative project, led by Prof. Nathalie Giger and Prof. Stefanie Bailer, brings together the University of Basel, the University of Geneva, and a team of international experts to investigate the quality of politicians and how citizens assess it. The research focuses on moving beyond ideological considerations to examine whether Members of Parliament (MPs) can effectively perform and implement their ideas, emphasizing the impact of effort and policy influence. The project aims to develop a comprehensive index of MP quality, with a particular focus on the qualities most valued by voters. In a subsequent phase, the project will analyze how these factors influence vote choice and explore ways to strengthen the role of quality in elections. The empirical approach combines surveys, survey experiments, and text-as-data methods, offering a rich methodological environment for the successful candidate. The position is ideal for candidates with a strong background in political science, especially those interested in comparative politics, legislative studies, and voter behavior. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Political Science or a related field, strong quantitative skills, and proficiency in R or another statistical program. The ability to conduct independent research and collaborate within an international team is essential, as is fluency in written and spoken English. The successful candidate will benefit from a four-year funded position, with salary and social benefits according to University of Basel and SNF regulations. Additional resources are available for conducting independent research and participating in international conferences and summer schools. The PhD student will become a member of the Graduate School of Social Sciences (G3S) and work in a vibrant, international research environment. The position allows for setting an individual research focus within the broader project framework. To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter outlining their motivation, research interests, and fit with the project, along with a CV, one writing sample (such as a seminar paper or master’s thesis), and copies of relevant diplomas and certificates. The application deadline is 15th December 2025, with interviews scheduled for January 2026. The anticipated start date is 1st March 2026, or as agreed. For further information, applicants may contact Prof. Stefanie Bailer at [email protected]. Apply online via the official application portal: Application Link .

The Department of Social Sciences at the University of Basel is offering a PhD/Predoc position in Political Science, focusing on comparative politics and related fields. The position is supervised by Professor Stefanie Bailer and is available for a maximum of four years, with an initial one-year contract renewable for three additional years upon positive evaluation. The anticipated start date is March 1, 2026. The successful candidate will conduct independent research and contribute to publications in areas such as representation, legislative studies, corruption, and political methodology. The role also involves collaboration on research and pedagogical projects, limited academic administration, and teaching two hours per week during the semester. The position is embedded in a vibrant, bilingual (English and German) research environment, offering opportunities for professional development and faculty mentorship. Applicants must possess a Master's degree in Political Science or a closely related discipline. Essential qualifications include proficiency in quantitative and/or computational methods (e.g., text-as-data), strong command of R and/or Stata, didactic competence, and enthusiasm for teaching. Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of German is advantageous as some courses are taught in German. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to collaborate, contribute to the academic community, and participate in university self-administration. Salary and social benefits are provided according to the University of Basel's guidelines, with the position offered at 60% (part-time). The university is committed to diversity and equal opportunity, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender or physical ability. To apply, candidates should submit a motivation letter, CV, diploma, 1-2 academic references, a writing sample (such as a master's thesis), a brief outline of a proposed PhD project (1-2 pages), and 1-2 seminar suggestions (title and abstract) as PDF files via the University of Basel's online recruiting tool. The application deadline is January 23, 2026. For further information, applicants may contact Prof. Stefanie Bailer at [email protected]. Job talks and interviews are scheduled for February 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic research group and advance your academic career in political science at a leading Swiss university.

The Department of Social Sciences at the University of Basel is offering a four-year PhD/Predoc position in Political Science, supervised by Professor Stefanie Bailer. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in comparative politics, representation, legislative studies, corruption, political methodology, and related topics. The position begins on March 1, 2026, with an initial contract of one year, renewable for up to three additional years following a positive evaluation. As a PhD candidate, you will pursue independent research and publications in comparative politics and related fields. You will also collaborate on research and pedagogical projects, assist with academic administration, and teach two hours per week during the semester. The research environment is vibrant and bilingual (English and German), providing opportunities for collaboration and professional growth within a motivated team. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Political Science or a closely related discipline. Essential skills include quantitative and/or computational methods (such as text-as-data), proficiency in R and/or Stata, and didactic competence with enthusiasm for teaching. Candidates should be willing to work collaboratively, contribute to the academic development of the Political Science group, and participate in university self-administration. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of German is advantageous as some courses are taught in German. The position offers salary and social benefits according to University of Basel guidelines, as well as dedicated faculty mentorship to support your academic progress. The University of Basel is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender or physical disabilities. To apply, submit your application as PDF files via the University of Basel's online recruiting tool. Required documents include a motivation letter, CV, diploma, 1-2 academic references (name and address), a writing sample (e.g., master thesis or seminar thesis), a brief outline of a suggested PhD project (1-2 pages), and 1-2 seminar suggestions (title and abstract). The application deadline is January 23, 2026, and job talks/interviews will be held in February 2026. For further information, contact Professor Stefanie Bailer at [email protected].