The PhD fellow will be based at the Department of Political Science of the University of Barcelona (UB) and will be part of the Institutions, Politics and Economics Research Center (IPERC).

The project investigates the political dynamics of backlash, both from a theoretical and an empirical perspective. Empirically, the focus will be on cases such as the anti-feminist backlash, the backlash against climate change mitigation policies, as well as backlash dynamics in nationalist movements. The project will combine quantitative observational research with advanced experimental methods, including experiments based on the use of Large Language Models. 

About the position: 

The successful candidate will become a member of the project research team. The successful applicant will receive support and mentorship from the PI and the research team, and during 4 years is expected to:

• Develop a PhD dissertation on a topic broadly related to the project, both in substantive and methodological terms

• Assist in the development of the project, and coauthor publications related to the project

• Participate and contribute to the organization of the project’s conferences, seminars, workshops. 

• Eventually, teach or assist in the teaching of some courses at the UB

• Be willing to take additional, specialized methodological courses

• Participate in national and international conferences of Political Science

• Spend time at international institutions as a visiting student

We offer a 4-year full-time PhD fellowship that includes additional funding for traveling to conferences, methods training, research stays etc.

Starting date: Spring 2026 (tentative). 

Requirements: 

• Holding or being close to completion of a master’s degree in political science or social sciences more in general

• Substantive interest in the areas of research of the PI

• Training and some experience in quantitative social science research methods

• Fluency in English is essential. Proficiency in other languages relevant to the project (Spanish, Catalan, German), a plus.

• Ability to work independently and also within a team 

Application procedure: 

• Interested candidates should send an email to jordi.munoz@ub.edu with a CV and a short letter or statement of motivation before the 28th of September.

• The conditions of the scholarship and the formal application procedure are described here

• The closing date for formal applications (to be submitted through the UB system is October 7, 14.00 (CEST). 

• The formal application requires a full transcript as well as a CV in a normalized format