Postdoctoral Position in European Politics (EU Enlargement)

The European Politics research group invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in European Politics with a focus on European Union enlargement. The group is headed by Prof. Frank Schimmelfennig and studies European integration, European Union policymaking, and the comparative politics of European countries. Our research currently focuses on boundary formation, border politics, and polity building in Europe.

The postdoctoral researcher position is for up to three years on a 80-100% basis. The starting date is between January and March 2024. The position is part of an EU Horizon collaborative project on “Invigorating Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy for a Resilient Europe” (InvigorateEU).

You contribute to a stocktaking exercise of EU enlargement tools and objectives. You are responsible for setting up a “social policy scoreboard” tracing the alignment of candidate countries with the EU social acquis, covering the rights of transnationally mobile workers as well as a variety of employment conditions and collective labour relations. Finally, you examine the patterns and factors of candidate compliance with the EU social acquis. For these purposes, you collaborate with project partners from candidate countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe.

• You have a PhD or doctorate in political science or a related discipline
• You have a strong background and research experience in the study of the European Union
• Regional expertise on Eastern or Southeastern Europe is an asset
• You enjoy collecting, coding, structuring, and analyzing policy data
• In our international environment, you can easily communicate in English verbally and in writing
• For our collaborative project, you bring in experience in international research teams

• a vibrant international research group at the forefront of European integration research
• opportunities for training in social science methods
• support for research and conference travel
• a family-friendly, flexible, and cooperative working environment

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

We look forward to receiving your online application before October 31st, 2023, with the following documents:

• Application letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications
• Writing sample

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the European Politics research group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Frank Schimmelfennig, frank.schimmelfennig@eup.gess.ethz.ch (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.