Job-Announcement

1 Experienced Researcher Position within Marie Curie Initial Training Network in Electoral Democracy (ELECDEM) is available from 1 January, 2010 at the Institute for Public Affairs (IVO), Bratislava, Slovakia.

Job Description

We invite applications for one 1-year research post for an experienced researcher as part of a Marie Curie Initial Training Network in Electoral Democracy (ELECDEM), funded by the European Commission under 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.

ELECDEM brings together 11 expert teams from 9 European countries to provide substantive and methodological training in voting behaviour and elections research to a cohort of early stage and experienced researchers. In total, there are 18 research positions available including the one hosted in Bratislava. The objective of the network and associated projects is to evaluate the functioning of democracies in the context of globalisation and technological and institutional change.

One research project Electoral Behavior in New Democracies will be hosted at the Institute for Public Affairs, public policy research think-tank based in Bratislava, Slovakia (www.ivo.sk).

The objectives of this project are:

• Identify factors contributing to various aspects of the electoral connection -- representation, accountability and stability -- in new democracies, with focus on post-communist societies.
• Use inter-linked data of the European Election Study 2009 to approach the question of trust in democracy from different perspectives: citizens (voters and non-voters), elites (candidates) and the media.
• Compare the electoral connection in Eastern Europe with post-authoritarian countries of Southern Europe and the more established democracies of Europe’s North and West.

IVO is seeking 1 experienced researcher to undertake this project in the process of developing his/her post-doctoral professional career.

The researcher will be employed by the Institute for Public Affairs and in addition to his/her salary will receive travel allowances. The researcher will join an active group of researchers, and democracy practitioners at the Institute for Public Affairs. Cooperation with other think-tanks, academic institutions and/or universities in Slovakia, but also in other countries in the CEE region will be appreciated. Further information on ELECDEM and the other available research positions within the network can be found at http://huss.exeter.ac.uk/politics/elecdem/.

Main duties and accountabilities:

• Undertake original research on specified topic.
• Complete project report within 1 year and an additional research paper.
• Undertake research skills training.
• Contribute independently to ELECDEM training network.
• Contribute to research activities in IVO
• Participate in network conferences and workshops.

This job description summarises the main duties and accountabilities of the post and is not comprehensive: the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties of similar level and responsibility.

Person specification

• To qualify as an Experienced Researcher applicants must: 1) be in possession of a doctoral degree or 2) have at least 4 years of full time research experience after obtaining the degree formally entitling them to embark on a doctorate in the country in which the degree was obtained, or in the country in which the ELECDEM partner he/she is applying for is located. Research experience may not exceed 5 (full time) years at the time of appointment.

• An applicant cannot be a national of the State in which the ELECDEM partner he/she is applying for is located. In the case of an applicant holding more than one nationality, he/she will be able to be hosted by a partner in the country of his/her nationality in which (s)he has not resided during the previous 5 years.

• At the time of appointment, the successful applicant may not have resided or carried out his/her main professional activities or studies in the country of the appointing partner for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to his/her appointment.

• Further details on eligibility requirements can be found at http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie/application_info/guides/2008/080404_itn_guide.pdf.

Informal enquiries

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Dr. Olga Gyarfasova, lead at the ELECDEM partner institution and project supervisor, telephone 00421 2 5443 4030 or email olga@ivo.sk. For more details about the network please contact Professor Susan Banducci, ELECDEM Coordinator, telephone (01392 263170) or email s.a.banducci@exeter.ac.uk.

Appointment and salary

The candidate fort his position will be offered a temporary contract for a period of 1 year, without possibility for extension. The gross salary for a fulltime position is 3 600,- € (plus allowance) per month. The conditions are as specified for FP7 Marie Curie Experienced Researchers and allowances are variable dependent upon country of origin and family status.

Job application

Applications must be received by September 30, 2009. Short-listed applicants will be invited for a personal interview in 2. Half of October. The successful applicant will be notified no later than on Monday, November 9, 2009.

Documents required for application:

• An application letter, explaining motivation and sustainability for a research project which will be conducted (maximum 2 pages).
• Curriculum Vitae including list of grades, professional experiences, list of publications. 
• Two letters of recommendation. 
• Project proposal for the own research

The project proposal is an important part of the application. It should contain a clear research objective, methodological design; comparative component, and a realistic work schedule (7-10 pages, 1,5 space).

All materials must be in English.

Application documents must be sent by mail to the following address:

Institute for Public Affairs
ELECDEM Project
c/o Dr. Olga GYARFASOVA
Baštová 5
SK – 81106 Bratislava