Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d)

The successful applicant will be responsible for data collection together with two research assistants based at the universities of Cardiff and Kent and will coordinate the compilation of the dataset. They will develop policy indicators together with the other project members; participate in data analysis; co-author articles for international journals and policy briefs; and contribute to the dissemination of the research findings. The postdoctoral research will also be in charge of the coordination and administration of the project, under the supervision of the principal investigator, Dr Johanna Schnabel.

The project:
The Territorial Inequality in Education project investigates whether decentralization generates territorial inequality in education to shed light on the potential trade-offs and benefits of decentralization and its implications for territorial equity and democratic stability. It will develop the first comparative and longitudinal indices of decentralization and policy variation in education; examine the extent to which decentralization of education policy leads to policy diversity; and analyze whether policy variation is associated with higher territorial inequality in education. The project adopts a comparative approach to investigate the relationship between regional authority, policy diversity, and educational outcomes in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The project will lead to a range of outputs, including papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

A PhD in political science, public policy, education sciences, political geography, or a cognate discipline

Desirable:
The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in applying empirical qualitative and/or quantitative methods; strong numeracy
  skills, experience with quantitative data and the development of datasets (including coding), and basic knowledge of quantitative methods are desirable;
• Research experience or interest in comparative politics or public policy; familiarity with multilevel governance, federalism, decentralization, or education policy is desirable;
• Ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals at an internationally recognized level;
• Ability to work independently and collaborate in an international team;
• A willingness and ability to contribute to the administration of the project;
• Written and oral proficiency in English; knowledge of German and/or French are desirable.

Your application must include:

• A cover letter detailing how your skills, research experience and agenda match the above
  requirements and can contribute to the project
• A CV (including a list of publications)
• A writing sample
• The names and contact information of two academic referees
• Transcripts and diplomas

Interviews are expected to be held between 21 and 25 October 2024. For any questions about the application process, about working at FU Berlin, the role, or the project, please contact Dr Johanna Schnabel at johanna.schnabel@fu-berlin.de.
For further information, please contact Dr. Johanna Schnabel (johanna.schnabel@fu- berlin.de / 03083872291).

How to apply?
Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents (see above), indicating the reference code, no later than September 30th, 2024 in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Dr. Johanna Schnabel: johanna.schnabel@fu-berlin.de or postal to

Freie Universität Berlin
Fachbereich Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften
Otto-Suhr-Institut für Politikwissenschaft
Drittmittelprojekt "Territorial Inequality in Education" (Fritz-Thyssen-Stiftung)
Dr. Johanna Schnabel
Ihnestr. 22
14195 Berlin (Dahlem)

Freie Universität Berlin is an equal opportunity employer
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Freie Universität Berlin is an equal opportunity employer.