3 year doctoral contract, ERC Greenloss Project, Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics, Sciences Po

Deadline: May 17, 2026

Link to call: https://www.sciencespo.fr/centre-etudes-europeennes/en/news/call-for-applications-doctoral-contract-greenloss/

1. Context

Dr Diane Bolet (Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics, Sciences Po Paris) invites applications for a three‑year PhD position within the ERC Starting Grant project (2026–2031):
“Lost in the Green Transition: Local Collective Greenloss Identity, Anti‑Climate Attitudes and Radical Right Support” (GREENLOSS).

The project analyses the attitudinal and electoral consequences of climate policies for fossil‑fuel‑dependent communities in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland. It relies on a mixed‑methods design combining focus groups, interviews, surveys, survey experiments, and quantitative text analysis.

The PhD researcher will work closely with Dr Bolet across both qualitative and quantitative components of the project. They will benefit from the support of the CEE at Sciences Po, from collaboration with the GREENLOSS research team, and from integration into a broader international academic network.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • PhD Thesis: Develop and conduct an independent doctoral dissertation aligned with the themes of the GREENLOSS project.
  • Qualitative Research: Assist in organising and conducting focus groups and interviews in several European countries.
  • Quantitative Research: Contribute to the design and analysis of cross‑sectional and panel survey data, as well as local observational data.
  • Data Integration: Participate in the analysis of combined contextual and electoral datasets for project reports and publications.
  • Project Engagement: Present findings at international conferences, contribute to the organisation of a workshop, and support team meetings and events.
  • Teaching (optional): Possibility to teach one 24‑hour module, or no teaching duties.

2. Eligibility & Requirements

Academic Profile

  • Strong background in comparative politics and electoral behaviour.
  • Interest in European climate politics and policy and comparative political research is an asset.

Research Skills

  • Qualitative: Experience with interviews, ideally with marginalised communities; familiarity with qualitative data analysis.
  • Quantitative: Basic proficiency in R and/or Stata; familiarity with survey design and data science methods; ability to produce geospatial visualisations (e.g., maps using ggplot2); understanding of cross‑sectional and panel survey techniques.

Languages

  • Excellent command of English (oral and written) required.
  • Proficiency in German or Polish is desirable but not essential.

Professional Skills

  • Ability to take initiative, work independently, and contribute intellectually to the project.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a research team.

3. What We Offer

  • Full‑time employment working directly with the PI to develop and co‑author research within the GREENLOSS project
  • Internationally competitive salary for 36 months
  • Funding for international conference participation
  • Optional teaching opportunities
  • A stimulating academic environment
  • Workspace in Paris
  • A vibrant, international, and collaborative research community

4. Assessment Criteria

Evaluation will focus on:

  • Fit with the project’s research agenda
  • Academic qualifications and writing skills
  • Relevant experience and methodological competencies

Language proficiency

5. Application

Applicants must submit an application file on the admissions platform below.

Apply directly online

More information on admissions to the PhD program at the School of Research

Application deadline: May 17, 2026

Once your application has been submitted on the admissions platform, please inform us by using the form below. Please make sure to include:

  • A CV
  • A cover letter detailing your skills and how they align with the position’s responsibilities

CONTACTS

For any question regarding the application: ed.direction@sciencespo.fr

And  project: recruitement.cee@sciencespo.fr 

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