This project investigates how political parties in Western democracies have politicized health care along economic and cultural lines since the 1960s. Using manifesto text analysis, new survey data, and survey experiments, the project seeks to understand how political debates around health care reflect broader ideological polarization and electoral divides. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and led by Assistant Professor David Weisstanner (PI). The PhD candidate will be part of a project team consisting of the PI, a postdoctoral researcher, two student assistants, and several international partners.
We are looking for a PhD candidate who will contribute original research and write a doctoral dissertation within the overall topic of this research project.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct high-quality research toward a PhD thesis, both independently and with the project team;
- Design and implement a cross-national voter survey and survey experiment;
- Assist with data collection and coding of party manifestos;
- Present research at workshops and national/international conferences;
- Support teaching activities.
Requirements:
- Master's degree in political science, health sciences, sociology, economics, or related fields;
- Strong interest or experience in the substantive field of the project;
- Strong training in quantitative methods and data analysis (Stata, R, etc.), as demonstrated in a Master's thesis, seminar paper, or similar;
- Experience with survey design or experimental methods is a plus (not a must);
- Passion for research and ability to work independently;
- Excellent English skills (written and spoken);
- Team-oriented and collaborative work attitude.
Please submit your application by 30 June 2025.
