Postdoc in Political Economy (Quant)

IE University; United States; On-site; USD 49,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

IE University’s School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs (SPEGA) invites applications for a four-year postdoctoral researcher position in the DIS EMPOWER ERC project led by Professor Michael Becher. The role is 100% focused on research within a vibrant, cosmopolitan environment in Madrid.

The postdoc will design data collection and analyze data across surveys, fieldwork, and elite interviews. The successful candidate will contribute to articles, collaborate with the SPEGA group in Madrid

Qualifications

• PhD in political science or related field, with strong research methods background.
• Experience with mixed methods and qualitative work.
• Fluency in English; strong writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on the ERC Consolidator project DIS EMPOWER and contribute to scientific articles.
• Conduct empirical research focusing on the project's empirical work packages.
• Design and conduct original data collection via surveys, fieldwork, and elite interviews.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using suitable empirical methods.
• Present findings at academic conferences and disseminate project results.
• Develop independent research projects aligned with own research agenda.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Qualitative research

Survey design

Autonomous working

Education

PhD in political science or related field

Tools

Qualtrics

Python

Job description

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.
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, with a strong background in research methods (including mixed methods and qualitative work) and a substantive interest in political economy issues related to the project (such as technological change, labor, democracy at work).
The project
The 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.
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.

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 and CV, a job market paper, and three confidential letters of recommendation. The cover letter should briefly describe your research interests, relevant experience, and how you would contribute to the (DIS)EMPOWER project (max. 2 pages).
• Interested candidates must apply by October 30, 2026.
• Contact Michael Becher ([e-mail]) if you have questions regarding the position or application process.