Postdoctoral Researcher

Madrid
Postdoc
Open
Published

March 1, 2023

Institution: Instituto de Economía, Geografía y Demografía (Spanish National Research Council – CSIC)
Position: Postdoc
Deadline: 8 March 2023

Job description

Do you have a background in the social sciences and an interest in the topic of (ethnic) discrimination? Are you enthusiastic about the opportunity to be part of an international team and develop research based on cutting-edge experimental methods? If so, consider applying for an exciting postdoctoral research opportunity at CSIC, the National Research Council in Spain.

As a member of the coordinating team of the EQUALSTRENGTH consortium, you will work closely with Dr. Héctor Cebolla Boado, the local project coordinator and Senior Scientist at CSIC. The role requires experienced quantitative social scientists with a relevant doctorate (or close to completion) in a social sciences discipline and theoretical expertise on ethnic discrimination and immigrant integration.

In this position, you will work on the development of the research design in collaboration with other consortium members and coordinate the data collection of different field experiments (audit studies). You will also be involved in organizing consortium meetings and undertake project management tasks in collaboration with the local project coordinator.

The EQUALSTRENGTH Consortium

EQUALSTRENGTH is a consortium of ten international partners (University College Dublin, University of Oxford, University of Utrecht, University of Amsterdam, The German Center for Integration and Migration Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, The Budapest Institute, Charles University, Spanish National Research Council and University of Lausanne), funded through the Horizon Europe Framework Programme under the topic call “Strengthening racial, ethnic and religious equality”. The consortium brings together scholars from a broad range of social sciences, including social psychology, sociology, demography, economics, social policy.

The EQUALSTRENGTH consortium aims to investigate the reasons behind and extent to which ethnic, racial, and religious minorities are subjected to discriminatory behaviors and prejudicial attitudes across various life domains, such as employment, housing, and access to services. Furthermore, the project examines how this continued exposure to and prejudice accumulates at the intersection of stigmatized identities over the course of one’s life.

The structural and cumulative pattern of disadvantage experienced by minorities is a significant concern for societies committed to promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. The EQUALSTRENGTH consortium aims to investigate the cumulative and structural forms of discrimination, perceived discrimination, outgroup prejudice, and hate crimes from an intersectional and cross-setting perspective.By taking an intersectional approach, the project aims to understand how different forms of discrimination intersect and contribute to the accumulation of disadvantage over time. The main contribution of EQUALSTRENGTH is to provide new insights into the experiences of minorities and inform policies and interventions that promote equality and social inclusion.

Responsibilities/duties

A high degree of independence and responsibility is expected. In addition to research, you will contribute to the organization of team meetings and management of the project.

  • Manage own academic research and administrative activities related to the project. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines

  • Analyse quantitative data from a variety of sources, and be able to test and refine existing theories

  • Take an active role in the research design and implementation of field and survey experiments on discrimination

  • Organise and coordinate data collection with the members of the consortium - Present results at academic conferences, impact events and dissemination activities

  • Collaborate in the preparation of research publications and book chapters based on the data collected

  • Develop ideas for generating research income and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers

  • Act as a source of information and advice to junior members of the group

Selection criteria

Essential

  • We are seeking candidates who hold or are near completion of a relevant PhD/DPhil in social sciences such as statistics, sociology, public policy, social psychology, demography, criminology, or economics. While exceptional candidates who are expected to obtain their doctoral degree by June 2023 will be considered, preference will be given to candidates who have already completed their doctorate.

  • Experience in quantitative research methods and experimental methods (e.g., audit studies, survey experiments)

  • Excellent skills in data analysis

  • Proficiency in Stata or comparable software, although basic knowledge of Stata is desirable

  • Experience in programming languages such as R or Python

  • Theoretical expertise in the literature on ethnic prejudice, discrimination and immigrant integration

  • A track record appropriate career stage, and curiosity and enthusiasm for academic research

  • A professional attitude and conduct that includes organisational sensitivity and research integrity

  • Pragmatism, excellent communication and organizational skills

  • Independent and critical thinking and a hands-on mentality

  • A collaborative attitude and teamwork orientation

  • Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities - Ability to contribute ideas for new related research projects

  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings

  • High proficiency in English

Expression of interest

To apply for the postdoctoral research opportunity, please send your CV and a short motivation letter to hector.cebolla@cchs.csic.es. In your letter, please explain how your background and experience align with the position requirements. The deadline for applications is March 8th, 2023.