Research Assistant for the Project on Welfare State's Impact on Climate Action

The Department of Political Science is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Uppsala University and has about 100 employees including teachers, researchers, PhD candidates, and administrative staff.

The activities mainly consist of teaching at undergraduate and advanced levels as well as in doctoral education. In addition, extensive research is conducted at both national and international levels at the department. Read more about the department's activities on our website: http://www.statsvet.uu.se (http://www.statsvet.uu.se)

Job Responsibilities

The work will be conducted within the project “Does the welfare state shape public support for climate action?”, funded by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation (MMW). The project aims to produce new comparative data on how welfare investments affect support for carbon taxes in several countries that are among the world's largest emitters.

The research assistant will collaborate with researchers at the Department of Political Science. Central tasks include validating questions for a survey study in South Africa. The work involves background research and qualitative interviews aimed at testing and adapting the wording of survey questions in different national contexts. An important aspect is to investigate how different welfare programs should be named in the survey to be perceived correctly by respondents in various demographic groups (e.g., younger/older, different education levels, urban/rural), how respondents perceive the size of changes in compensation levels (increases and decreases), and how they reason about the possibility of increasing acceptance for carbon taxes by offering compensations through the welfare system. The research assistant will also perform certain administrative tasks.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in political science or equivalent social science education. The position requires documented experience in conducting interviews. Excellent ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, is a requirement. Additionally, very good knowledge, both orally and in writing, in at least one of South Africa's major official languages (isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, or Sepedi) is required to perform the tasks. Knowledge of additional official languages in South Africa, both orally and in writing, is an advantage. The work also requires good analytical skills and the ability to work independently.

Applicants should have good knowledge of welfare systems and the political decision-making processes in South Africa, as well as established networks in the country relevant to the tasks to be performed in the project.

Application

The application should include the following:

• Cover letter (max 1 page): Describe why you are applying, why you are suitable for the position, as well as your possible start date and how you can arrange your working hours.
• If you have a writing sample (e.g., thesis or empirical analysis), feel free to attach a copy.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Transcripts (unofficial copy is sufficient)
• Documentation that supports your experience in interviewing (e.g., course certificates or work samples)
• Contact details for two referees (will only be used at the end of the recruitment process).

About the Employment

The position is a fixed-term employment (100%) for 1 month starting on January 30, 2026, or by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Moa Mårtensson ([email protected] (mailto:[email protected]))

Welcome with your application by January 15, 2026, UFV-PA 2025/4061.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The employment may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved in the security clearance.

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Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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