About this role
Qualifications • A PhD in a social science discipline preferably in Political Sciences, Sociology, Social science statistics or Anthropology • Research interest and expertise in statistics and higher education, research and innovation policies • Strong research skills and a good publication record • Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English • Excellent communication skills • Strong organisational and interpersonal skills • Knowledge in French, Portuguese or Swahili will be an added advantage • Experience of work on Africa-related issues will be an added advantage Job description The postdoctoral candidate will be involved in the research project “The Space and Role of Political Science in the Evolving Democratic Transformation in Africa”. The Postdoctoral will work closely with Professor Liisa Laakso. Project description Today universities are under an increasing pressure to show the relevance and societal impact of their research and education for the society. Political science, whose roots as an academic discipline are connected to empirical research of liberal multi-party political systems involving also critical thinking, is particularly interesting in this regard, and even more so in societies experiencing political transitions like the ones on the African continent. Political science can have an impact for the legitimacy, functioning and consolidation of the political systems. The project will first analyze the profile of political science research and education in African political systems with different levels of democratization: What is studied and taught about political systems in Africa? The resources of political science? The employment of political science graduates? Secondly the project will look at the visibility of political science in Africa: Do political scientists feature in public discussion and media? Do they contribute to preparatory work on electoral laws, constitutional changes etc.? Do they cooperate with political parties? The Nordic Africa Institute is a research institution tasked to undertake and encourage studies on contemporary Africa or Africa-related issues by scholars in mainly the Nordic and African countries.