Project Manager / Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d; 50-75 %)

The University of St.Gallen is looking for a

Project Manager / Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d; 50-75 %)

(limited, by 01.02.2026 until 31.01.2028)

Your tasks

At the Institute of Political Science, you will coordinate an ambitious two-year collaborative research project jointly led by Prof. Dr. Miriam Meckel (Institute for Media and Communications Management) and Prof. Dr. James W. Davis (IPW-HSG). The project investigates how individuals across multiple countries perceive and engage with pressing issues such as democratic governance, digital transformation, AI, and the global media environment.
 
As Project Manager / Postdoctoral Researcher, you will:

• Design, organize, and oversee all stages of the research workflow: survey construction, cross-national data collection, large-scale web and social media data scraping, data cleaning, analytics, and reporting

• Apply advanced quantitative and computational methods - including machine learning approaches - to extract and interpret insights from large, complex, and cross-country datasets

• Collaborate closely with the project leads and coordinate a diverse, international team of researchers and institutional partners

• Ensure high research standards, deliverables, and timelines in line with HSG and funding-body requirements

• Contribute to scholarly output through publications, conference presentations, and policy-relevant dissemination activities

What We Offer

By joining HSG, you become part of a world-class academic community known for impact-oriented research, global networks, and practical relevance. You will benefit from:

• A stimulating research environment that bridges academia, policy, and society

• The opportunity to publish internationally, expand your professional network, and shape a project with global scope

• Access to first-class infrastructure (data services, computational resources, libraries, IT support) and tailored opportunities for professional growth

• A collaborative and flexible workplace culture that values initiative, intellectual curiosity, and innovation

• A unique location in the heart of Switzerland, combining academic excellence with exceptional quality of life

Your profile

We are seeking a proactive, dynamic and analytically driven researcher who brings:
 

• A completed (or nearly completed) PhD in political science, communication, sociology, data & computer science, or a related field

• Proven methodological expertise in survey research, statistical analysis, and computational methods, including experience with data scraping, web or social media data, and machine learning-based analytics

• Proficiency in R, Python, Stata

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder collaborations across countries

• Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in German or willingness to learn is an advantage

• A strong interest in interdisciplinary, international, and policy-relevant research

• Clear communication skills and the ability to turn complex data into compelling narrative

How to Apply

Please submit your application as a single PDF file including:

• Cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing your motivation and fit for this role

• Curriculum Vitae

• Short research statement (max 1 page) outlining your methodological expertise and interest in cross-national and computational research

• Sample of analytical work (e.g., publication, working paper, or code sample)

• Contact information for two references

Send your application by email to: ipw@unisg.ch
(Subject: Project Manager/PostDoc  – IPW-HSG)
Deadline for applications: December 1, 2025
Start date: by agreement (ideally February 1, 2026)

We look forward to welcoming an internationally minded, methodologically skilled researcher to our team. For any questions regarding the position, please contact us at the above address.