진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

The Centre for Social Studies (CES) – Associate Laboratory - University of Coimbra (Portugal), invites applications for one (1) Post-Doctoral Researcher position (CES/15/2026-PD-DeAppeal) in the project “DeAppeal – Deconstruct and Resist Autocratic Appeal to Reinvigorate Democracy”, funded by the European Commission through the programme Horizon Europe, a consortium coordinated by Cristiano Gianolla at CES. 

CES provides a stimulating intellectual environment in the domain of social sciences and humanities. The project is part of the research line Democracy, Justice and Human Rights. 

A. Project Description 

DeAppeal – Deconstruct and Resist Autocratic Appeal to Reinvigorate Democracy

Democracy is under threat across the globe and, increasingly, within the European Union. Populist and authoritarian actors hollow out institutions and normalise illiberal practices. At the heart of this trend lies autocratic appeal—the capacity of authoritarian projects to resonate with citizens. Despite its urgency, the understanding of autocratic appeal remains fragmented. DeAppeal responds with the first comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme to explain why autocratic projects gain traction and to identify the societal and institutional conditions under which democratic appeal can be revived and mobilised. Using the lens of assemblage, the project examines how affective, discursive, and material drivers interact to generate both autocratic and democratic appeal. The project applies this framework across five crucial domains—gender, youth, everyday, institutions, and transnational—to investigate how authoritarian actors generate appeal and how resistance practices can contest authoritarian encroachment while cultivating vibrant democratic imaginaries. 

Expected duration of the project execution: from October 1, 2026 to September 3, 2029.

B. Scientific Field 

Social Sciences and Humanities

C. Work plan, tasks: 

The selected candidate will have a background in democracy, human rights and information communication technologies with a specialization in citizen-generated data analysis and public policy. He/ She is expected to show methodological rigor and transdisciplinary sensitivity, proven experience in the execution and support of international research projects, the ability to work collaboratively and manage tasks autonomously, and excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills in English. 

The candidate is expected to contribute in the following ways to the project, in close collaboration with the PI and team:

- Contribute to the execution of the project’s scientific tasks, as well as supporting any related activities. In particular, the selected researcher will be responsible for literature review; document research; drafting and editing of reports and publications; collect, organize and analyse qualitative and quantitative data;

- Generating project’s outputs and outreach activities for academic and non-academic publics. They include preparing and making presentations and drafting, reviewing and editing reports, documents and publications;

- Support the scientific coordination of the project needed for the qualitative and timely implementation of the workplan, including by assisting Work Packages and Tasks leaders;

- Support the technical coordination of the project including: everyday project management; organization and facilitation of project meetings and events; coordinate the communication with partners and funding institutions; support in communication, website and media content updating;

- Liaise with CES management offices and facilitate contacts between CES and the Granting Authority. 

D. Applicable Legislation and Regulations 

The successful candidate will be hired under Law no. 57/2016, August 29, altered by Law 57/2017, which approves a doctoral hiring regime with a view to boosting scientific and technological employment in all areas of knowledge (RJEC). The hiring will also be governed by the Labor Code approved by Law no. 7/2009 of February 12, as currently worded. 

E. Workplace 

Research will be performed at the Centre for Social Studies facilities in Coimbra, Portugal, as well as in fieldwork sites. Selected researcher will occasionally need to travel in Portugal and abroad to perform research and research management tasks with the consortium. 

F. Duration of the Contract

The temporary contract (“termo incerto”) will be signed for the sole purpose of the execution of the project and will automatically end with the completion of the activities foreseen in the activity plan. Moreover, according to Article 112 of the Labour Code, paragraph 2 a), a trial period of 30 days is established. 

The contract will foreseeably start in October, 2026.

G. Application dates 

Opens: July 15, 2026 

Closes: July 29, 2026. 

After July 29 (23h59 Lisbon time) 2026, applications will not be considered for evaluation. 

H. Application process 

Applications must include: 

a) Presentation/Motivation letter with the call reference (CES/15/2026-PD-DeAppeal) of maximum 2 pages in English in which the candidate addresses at least four points: 

(1) motivation to be part of the DeAppeal;

(2) why they consider to be the right choice to execute the project tasks described above; 

(3) to what extent education and previous experience match the selection criteria listed; 

(4) demonstration of oral and written language proficiency in English (with reference to the context where the candidate learned and perfected the language use);

b) Detailed Curriculum Vitae; 

c) Copies of PhD degree certificate. It is mandatory to be holder of a PhD degree by the date to start the contract (note: candidates must meet the eligibility conditions and conditions indicated in point “K. Mandatory requirements”);

d) One publication which better represents the writing skills of the applicant and their proximity with the DeAppeal project, in English; 

e) Other relevant documents for eligibility purposes. 

Applications should be sent by email to [email protected] until the final deadline. Applications must include a clear indication of the reference of this call (CES/15/2026-PD-DeAppeal).