Postdoc in Political Economy (Quant)

Overview

IE University's School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs (SPEGA) is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join its team! IE University’s School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs (SPEGA) seeks applicants for a four-year postdoctoral position (with option to extend by one year) in the ERC-funded project (DIS)EMPOWER led by Professor Michael Becher. The project analyzes how the ongoing wave of work automation, through AI and robots, shapes the power of workers in the workplace and in democratic politics.

We are looking to hire an outstanding young scholar with a PhD in political science or related fields, a strong background in quantitative methods (including the design and analysis of experiments) and a substantive interest in political economy issues related to the project (such as technological change, labor, democracy at work or political representation).

The projectThe ERC Consolidator project (DIS)EMPOWER investigates “Automation and Worker (Dis)Empowerment: Mobilization, Bargaining, and Political Competition in Times of Technological Change.” The project analyzes when automation disempowers and when it empowers workers in the workplace, through organizing and collective bargaining, and in democratic politics across advanced knowledge economies. Theoretically, the project employs game theory. Empirically, it combines the quantitative analysis of surveys and administrative data with qualitative work (e.g., interviews). The PI’s research has been published in academic journals such as the American Journal of Political Science, American Political Science Review, or Journal of Politics. The postdoctoral position is 100% focused on research. It offers a competitive remuneration package, resources for conference travel, and an enriching and cosmopolitan work environment in the heart of Madrid. Successful candidates will mainly collaborate on and contribute to articles related to the project, with a focus on the empirical work packages. The project provides the opportunity to design research and collect original data, through surveys, fieldwork, or elite interviews. Postdocs are encouraged to also pursue their own lines of research. Successful candidates will become members of the (DIS)EMPOWER project team and join the Political Science and International Relations group within IE SPEGA, which consists of 18 tenured and tenure-track scholars studying comparative politics, international relations, political economy, and political behavior. The IE SPEGA is part of IE University, located in Madrid and Segovia, Spain. We are a fast-growing department committed to world-class academic research and teaching in the social sciences, public policy, and international affairs. Our working language is English, and both our faculty and student body are highly diverse and international. IE University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applications from individuals who will expand the diversity of our faculty.

Why IE University?

Every story begins with a purpose, and ours has always been about people. Founded in 1973, IE University has continuously raised the bar to drive positive change through education. We believe education is more than a path to professional success; it is a catalyst for personal transformation and meaningful impact.

At IE University, we place people and their potential at the center of everything we do, empowering individuals to become extraordinary. We encourage bold thinking and foster a culture where innovation, curiosity, and courage lead to real-world impact. Together, we create an environment where talent thrives, and ideas shape the future.

Our mission

We support students in developing impact skills to live and lead with positive impact. This ignites a ripple effect: We transform people, who then transform others, systems, society, and, ultimately, our world.

Our Purpose

To foster positive change.

Values

Cultivate the humanistic approach.

Empower your entrepreneurial spirit

Cherish the diversity of people, mind, and experience

Drive innovation with a proactive mindset

We are looking for a person to join a full-time position in Madrid - IE Tower.

Responsibilities

Your role as Postdoctoral Researcher (QUANT/SURVEY) will involve:

• Collaborate on the implementation of the ERC Consolidator Project (DIS)EMPOWER and contribute to the preparation and publication of scientific articles.
• Conduct empirical research activities, with a primary focus on the project's empirical work packages.
• Design and conduct original data collection through surveys, fieldwork, and elite interviews.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate empirical methods.
• Present research findings at academic conferences and contribute to the dissemination of project results.
• Develop independent research projects aligned with the candidate's own research agenda.

Qualifications

To thrive in this role, you should possess the following qualifications:

• Candidates should have a PhD in political science, political economy, industrial relations, sociology or related field, or demonstrate clear evidence that their PhD will be completed by the start of the position (no later than September 2027).
• Candidates should seek to develop their academic career, be autonomous and productive team workers.
• Essential skills include strong methodological skills, such as the demonstrated ability to analyze observational data to address social science questions.
• The position specifically requires strong quantitative skills, such as the demonstrated ability to analyze observational and experimental data to address social science questions, and data management.
• Fluency in english is required.
• Experience in programming surveys in Qualtrics or Python is an asset.

Application Instructions:

• Applications should include a cover letter, CV, and job market paper, combined and uploaded as a single PDF. The cover letter should be no more than two pages and briefly describe your research interests, relevant experience, and how you would contribute to the (DIS)EMPOWER project.
• On the next screen, please provide the contact details of three referees. Shortlisted candidates will be asked at a later stage to arrange for three confidential letters of recommendation.
• Applications must be submitted by October 30, 2026.
• For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Michael Becher at michael.becher@ie.edu.

Unleash your full potential and make an impact. The next move is yours! If you want to be part of this educational revolution, we invite you to apply and be part of our dynamic team at IE University. At IE University, we actively promote equal opportunities in recruitment processes and access to employment, always ensuring the absence of gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ethnic origin, or disability bias throughout the entire selection process.