Postdoctoral Researcher (Mixed Methods)

About the project

The ERC Consolidator project (DIS)EMPOWER investigates “Automation and Worker (Dis)Empowerment Mobilization, Bargaining, and Political Competition in Times of Technological Change.” The project analyzes when automation disempowers and when it empowers workers in the workplace, through organizing and collective bargaining, and in democratic politics across advanced knowledge economies. Theoretically, the project employs game theory. Empirically, it combines the quantitative analysis of surveys and administrative data with qualitative work (e.g., interviews). The PI’s research has been published in academic journals such as the American Journal of Political Science, American Political Science Review, or Journal of Politics.

About the position

This is a four-year postdoctoral position (with option to extend by one year) in the ERC-funded project (DIS)EMPOWER led by Professor Michael Becher. The position is 100% focused on research. It offers a competitive remuneration package, resources for conference travel, and an enriching and cosmopolitan work environment in the heart of Madrid. Successful candidates will become members of the (DIS)EMPOWER project team and join the Political Science and International Relations group within IE SPEGA, which consists of 18 tenured and tenure-track scholars studying comparative politics, international relations, political economy, and political behavior.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on the implementation of the ERC Consolidator Project (DIS)EMPOWER and contribute to the preparation and publication of scientific articles.
• Conduct empirical research activities, with a primary focus on the project's empirical work packages.
• Design and conduct original data collection through surveys, fieldwork, and elite interviews.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate empirical methods.
• Present research findings at academic conferences and contribute to the dissemination of project results.
• Develop independent research projects aligned with the candidate's own research agenda.

Qualifications

• PhD in political science, political economy, industrial relations, sociology or related field, or clear evidence that the PhD will be completed by the start of the position / July 2027.
• Strong methodological skills, including the demonstrated ability to analyze observational data to address social science questions.
• Specific experience doing mixed method and qualitative research, such as interviews.
• Excellent analytical and communicating skills.
• Fluency in English (working language). Fluency in another language relevant for the project (French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Swedish) is an asset.
• Ability to work autonomously and as a productive team worker.

Application

Applications should include a cover letter and CV, a job market paper, and three confidential letters of recommendation. The cover letter should briefly describe your research interests, relevant experience, and how you would contribute to the (DIS)EMPOWER project (max. 2 pages). Candidates may apply via IE Website or Linkedin by October 30, 2026, using the following link: https//careers-ieedu.icims.com/jobs/3160/postdoctoral-researcher-%28mixed-methods%29/job. Contact Michael Becher (michael.becher@ie.edu) if you have questions regarding the application process.