Postdoctoral Researcher in Economic History and International Relations

The Department of Economic History and International Relations within the Faculty of Social Sciences at Stockholm University announces a postdoctoral position.

The department is a dynamic and strong educational and research institution with approximately 70 employees and about 500 students per academic year. The department strives to be nationally leading and internationally prominent in research and education. For more information about the department, see here (https://www.su.se/enheter/institutionen-for-ekonomisk-historia-och-internationella-relationer).

Project Description

Protectionist policies have become increasingly established over the past decade. States have implemented a range of subsidies, investment regulations, and labor migration policies – measures that may benefit certain industries but are likely to limit growth and multilateral economic cooperation. Why some citizens support protectionism that incurs costs for themselves, while others do not, is the central question that the ERC-funded project “PROTECT – Protectionism in Place: Explaining How Subnational Change Affects Public Support for Protectionism” will investigate. The project will focus on the effects of subnational economic, ecological, and sociocultural change on citizens' support for protectionism. For this purpose, the project will collect new survey data and subnational contextual data from selected Western and non-Western countries.

Job Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research within the framework of the ERC project “PROTECT – Protectionism in Place: Explaining How Subnational Change Affects Public Support for Protectionism”. You will primarily work on the collection and analysis of new subnational data from official statistics, meteorological reanalyses, and satellite data, as well as being responsible for evaluating and mapping the data. You will analyze the data in relation to survey data to investigate how local circumstances affect attitudes towards protectionism. The work includes methods such as machine learning and instrumental variable analysis, as well as the application of a machine learning-based extension of the standard difference-in-differences (DiD) method to evaluate policy in relation to public opinion. Strong knowledge of machine learning methods, programming in Python, and familiarity with neural networks are therefore considered important merits. You will be part of a collaborative research group working on quantitative research on how local circumstances affect attitudes towards protectionism. In addition to research, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to participate in the Higher Seminar in International Relations at the Department of Economic History and International Relations.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the postdoctoral position, a PhD degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a relevant PhD is required. The degree must be awarded no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment Criteria

It is meritorious if the PhD or equivalent has been awarded no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an earlier degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, elected positions within trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area.

In the appointment, special emphasis will be placed on scientific competence. We are looking for candidates with a background in or documented merits in areas relevant to international relations. We are particularly interested in applicants with strong knowledge of machine learning, programming languages such as Python, and a solid understanding of neural networks. The ability to work in an international research group is also meritorious. The candidate must have good skills in academically written English.

About the Position

The position is full-time and is permanent, but for at least two years and at most three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date by agreement, with preference for a start in June 2026.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamics of the interplay between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Inquiries about the position can be made to Lisa Dellmuth, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), professor and co-director of the Stockholm Center for Global Cooperation (SCGG), or department head Johan Svanberg, email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the requested documents in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university no later than the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: here (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.