The Institute of European Studies at the Faculty of International and Political Studies of the Jagiellonian University invites applications for two research assistant positions on a part-time basis (50%), starting in March 2024 and lasting for 12 months.

The selected candidates will work on the research project RECLAIM (Reclaiming Liberal Democracy in the Postfactual Age), particularly focusing on migration policies and border management in the context of post-truth.

The research project Reclaiming Liberal Democracy in the Postfactual Age (RECLAIM) is a three-year project funded by the EU's Horizon Europe progamme. The RECLAIM project aims to put forward new definitions, methods and toolkits as to how to analyse and respond to various expressions of information disorder on today's democracy. The aim of the project is to analyse disinformation in Europe and use the results to advise on policy making, education and actions to react to the negative effect of disinformation on democratic discourse and the basic structure of modern liberal democracy.

The project is managed and coordinated by the Institute of International Affairs at the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Iceland. Twelve universities and institutes participate in the project, including Goldsmiths College in the UK, the University of Ljubljana, UAM University in Madrid, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Scuola Normale Superiore in Florence, New Bulgarian University in Sofia, Institute of International Affairs in Zagreb, Center for European Studies ARENA at the University of Oslo, Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) in Brussels, Institute of International Affairs in Prague, Institute of International Affairs in Rome, and the Liechtenstein Institute in Bendern.

More information about the project can be found on the website: https://reclaim.hi.is/en/

Candidates will join the Jagiellonian University research team of the RECLAIM project focusing on migration policies and borders in the context of post-truth. The team’s work revolves around investigating the impact of post-truth on issues related to migration management and borders, which have proven particularly susceptible to misinformation and have caused polarization in the public and social space. The research team will be involved in:

• (1) analyzing the content and structure of border and migration policies in selected countries and at the European Union level;
• (2) public discourses on borders, rights of non-citizens, and control in moments of crisis;
• (3) post-truth narratives (new myths, invented traditions, etc.), especially concerning oneself and others (non-citizens, their rights, and control policies).

Successful candidates will contribute to the RECLAIM project by designing and conducting a case study on the impact of post-truth on migration management and border policy in selected European countries. The research assistants will be involved in the preparation and implementation of a case study on migration policies and discourse analysis in one EU member state (Italy, Hungary, or another northern European country). They will collect and analyze documents and patterns of discourse in empirical material using qualitative data analysis software (MAXQDA). The research assistants will also be involved in organisational tasks, such as organizing a research workshop.

Candidates should have at least a bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, European studies, or related fields and an interest in EU migration policy and that of EU member states. The candidates should have experience in research using discourse analysis. Considering that the research focuses on specific member states (Italy, Hungary, or another northern European country), candidates with very good knowledge of Italian, Hungarian, or a northern European language are sought. Additionally, a very good command of English, both spoken and written, is required.

Candidates are expected to have:

• At least a bachelor's degree in sociology, political science, international relations, European studies or other related fields of knowledge, with a focus on social research methodology and experience in conducting empirical research, documented in the study path and additional activities (e.g., participation in research projects, student activities, etc.), especially in conducting policy analysis;
• Preference will be given to candidates with the ability to use analytical tools (MaxQDA), an interest in migration issues, post-truth, democracy, and the functioning of the European Union.
• Very good command of English, both spoken and written;
• Very good knowledge of a second language, preferably Hungarian, Italian, or a northern European language, both spoken and written.
• Reliability, systematicity, responsibility, and teamwork skills.

The remuneration is in accordance with the regulations of the Jagiellonian University. The planned start date for work is March 2024.

Documents should be submitted by January 29, 2024.

Required application documents:

• One-page cover letter;
• CV containing information about the candidate's scientific, teaching, and organizational achievements;
• Personal questionnaire for individuals applying for employment*;
• A copy of the bachelor's or master's diploma;
• A statement confirming that the Jagiellonian University will be the primary place of work;
• A statement in accordance with Article 113 of the Higher Education and Science Act;
• A statement about knowledge and acceptance of the principles regarding intellectual property management and commercialization at the Jagiellonian University;
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate's scientific achievements;
• Copies of a certificate of good command of English (excluding individuals for whom English is their native language or if the language of instruction during academic education was English – please submit a copy of the diploma indicating the language of instruction). Please attach the results of relevant language proficiency tests to the application.

*Declaration forms and a sample personal questionnaire can be downloaded from the website: https://cso.uj.edu.pl/konkursy

Documents should be submitted by email to karolina.czerska@uj.edu.pl  with the subject "RECLAIM application documents (research assistant)" or by post to Monika Nowak, Jagiellonian University, Institute of European Studies, ul. Władysława Reymonta 4, 30-059 Krakow, with the note "RECLAIM application documents (research assistance)."

Applications that pass a formal verification will be subject to a substantive evaluation, during which a recruitment interview may be conducted (directly or via electronic communication channels), after prior agreement with the candidate.

Additional questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Karolina Czerska-Shaw at karolina.czerska@uj.edu.pl