2026 WELSH ELECTION STUDY POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW

Swansea University / Prifysgol Abertawe; Radom; On-site; PLN 188,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on the 2026 Welsh Election Study. This full-time position involves preparing and analysing public opinion data, developing survey datasets, and contributing to key project publications. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in relevant fields and strong quantitative research skills. The role offers a dedicated training budget and mentorship, ensuring an enriching academic environment.

Benefits

Dedicated training budget

Mentorship from experienced researchers

Collaboration with WISERD’s Data Lab team

Qualifications

• PhD in Politics/Political Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative research skills.
• Experience working with survey data, data visualisation, or public data engagement.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyse, and visualise large-scale public opinion data for the WES 2026 survey.
• Develop core survey dataset with geospatial data.
• Support engagement events and workshops with project stakeholders.
• Contribute to publications and meet key milestones.

Skills

Quantitative research skills

Data visualisation

Experience with survey data

Education

PhD in Politics/Political Science, Data Science, or related field

Job description

Job Details

• Title: 2026 Welsh Election Study Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRA)
• Contract Type: Fixed Term
• Salary: £39,355 to £45,413 per annum
• Working Pattern: Full Time
• Faculty/Directorate: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Location: Singleton Campus, Swansea
• Closing Date: 15 Jan 2026
• Interview Date: 23 Jan 2026

Contact

• Prof Matthew Wall – [e-mail]
• Dr Bettina Petersohn – [e-mail]

About The University

Swansea University is a research‑led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The university community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life. Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work‑life balance.

About The Role

The 2026 Welsh Election Study (WES 2026) is recruiting a full‑time Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) for a 30‑month position based at Swansea University, with collaboration across Aberystwyth University and the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD). This is an exciting opportunity to join a landmark UKRI‑funded research project examining political attitudes and democratic engagement in Wales in the lead‑up to and aftermath of the 2026 Senedd election.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyse, and visualise large‑scale public opinion data for the WES 2026 survey.
• Develop the core survey dataset, incorporating geospatial data to align with other geographically encoded social research data.
• Support engagement events and workshops with project stakeholders.
• Contribute to publications, briefings, and help the team meet key milestones and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• PhD in Politics/Political Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative research skills.
• Experience working with survey data, data visualisation, or public data engagement is especially valued.

Benefits

• Dedicated training budget.
• Mentorship from experienced researchers.
• Embedded collaboration with WISERD’s Data Lab team in Cardiff and Focus Games Ltd. in Glasgow.
• Opportunity to shape a high‑impact public resource while advancing your own research and professional development.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation. As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 - A little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1‑hour course. The University is a proud bilingual institution; Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter. For more details, please refer to the downloadable job description and candidate brochure.

Apply Now

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter through the application portal.