Political Science Fellowship with Global Impact

 Now Hiring: Research Fellow in Democratic Resilience at University of Birmingham – Shape the Future of Global DemocracySEO-Optimized Excerpt:
Are you passionate about supporting global democratic governance and political resilience? The Research Fellow (CEDAR & WFD) in Democratic Resilience role at the University of Birmingham offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to international development and democracy research. This full-time, fixed-term post is part of a long-standing collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). With a competitive salary and a platform to influence real-world policy, this position is ideal for those with a background in political science or international development. Apply by April 28, 2025.

Background & Job Description

The University of Birmingham’s School of Government is currently accepting applications for the position of Research Fellow (CEDAR & WFD) in Democratic Resilience. This role is based within the International Development Department and embedded in a broader initiative to address global challenges to democracy.

This post is part of a partnership between the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) at the University of Birmingham and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). Since 1992, WFD has played a vital role in promoting inclusive, accountable, and open political systems across the globe, from advancing women’s rights in the Middle East to bolstering democratic institutions in Asia and the Western Balkans.

This collaboration has produced significant academic and policy outputs in the past, including influential work on parliamentary strengthening, civil society assistance, and political party development. With the increasing threats to democratic norms worldwide, this new phase of the project focuses on democratic resilience—the ability of political institutions to withstand and recover from authoritarian pressures.

The successful candidate will contribute to the next wave of this important research, taking a leading role in drafting high-impact policy papers and academic publications, facilitating knowledge exchange between scholars and policymakers, and strengthening democratic resilience through actionable insights.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position until March 2026, and is offered at Grade 7, with a starting salary of £36,130 to £45,413, with the possibility of progressing up to £48,149 depending on experience.

Please note that to apply, you must submit:

• A 2-page cover letter addressing the criteria

• A CV no longer than 3 pages

• Two references with full contact details

Tasks

The Research Fellow in Democratic Resilience will support and lead a variety of tasks designed to influence global policy and strengthen democratic institutions through rigorous research. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting innovative, policy-relevant research on democratic resilience and the role of international organizations in sustaining democratic norms.

• Drafting high-quality policy papers, academic articles, and reports that will directly inform WFD programming and wider democracy-support initiatives.

• Engaging with stakeholders, including academics, government bodies (such as the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office), and civil society organizations, to share findings and encourage collaborative dialogue.

• Supporting the Community of Practice on Democratic Resilience, a platform jointly established by CEDAR and WFD to encourage global learning and exchange.

• Organizing and facilitating workshops, public events, and podcasts to disseminate research findings and engage new audiences.

• Maintaining communication with partners and stakeholders, ensuring the effective sharing of insights and developments throughout the life of the project.

• Developing and managing a database of experts and relevant organizations working in democracy and governance.

• Producing blog posts and digital content for broader public engagement and research visibility.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• A PhD (or near completion) in political science, international development, international relations, or a closely related field is highly desirable.

• Strong academic grounding in areas relevant to democracy, governance, and international development.

Experience

• Demonstrated ability to produce written materials—academic or policy-based—under tight deadlines.

• Experience in conducting independent and collaborative research projects in political science or development studies.

• A solid understanding of civil society, democratic institutions, political leadership, and resilience in the face of democratic backsliding.

• Prior engagement with policy-focused research, such as working for a think tank or policy organization, will be seen as an asset.

• Proven ability to communicate complex concepts clearly, both in writing and orally.

• Competency in organizing or participating in events, workshops, and public-facing content, such as podcasts.

• Familiarity with web platforms and content management systems is an added advantage.

• Experience working with development agencies, NGOs, or multilateral institutions will strengthen your application.

Additional Information

• Salary: £36,130 to £45,413, with possible progression up to £48,149

• Contract Type: Full-Time, Fixed Term until March 2026

• Application Deadline: April 28, 2025

• Job Reference: 56376

• Contact for informal enquiries: Professor Nic Cheeseman, Director of CEDAR – n.cheeseman@bham.ac.uk

At the University of Birmingham, diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. The university holds Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter, and Disability Confident accreditations, reflecting its commitment to creating a fair and inclusive working environment. Sustainability is also at the heart of university strategy.

Disclaimer: Please note that this job post has been republished for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the University of Birmingham or the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. Interested candidates should apply directly via the official university job portal.

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