Job Description

This call is to recruit a Postdoctoral researcher focusing on the statistical analysis of survey data to investigate research questions in the field of survey methodology. The successful candidate will contribute to the conceptual development of research projects, carry out advanced data analyses, and present research findings at academic conferences as well as in peer-reviewed international journals.

The candidate will analyse survey data collected in different survey modes in the context of a mode switch from face-to-face to self-completion data collection. A central focus of the research will be on identifying and utilising opportunities to analyse repeated cross-sectional data in order to assess measurement equivalence across survey modes. The research will be supervised by Diana Zavala-Rojas.

The position will be based in the Political and Social Sciences Department at Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona) with anticipated start date being latest October 1, 2026. The position is planned to run until September 31, 2028; however, continuation will depend on the outcomes of performance reviews scheduled six months and one year after the starting date.

We are a research group focused on social sciences from a quantitative and computational perspective. We love science! And would like to invite candidates who share our passion for knowledge.

Tasks

• Contribute to the conceptual development of research projects addressing methodological challenges in a large European repeated cross-sectional survey.
• Conduct statistical analyses using data from a large European repeated cross-sectional survey.
• Prepare and submit research articles (including literature reviews) for publication in English-language, peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Manage all communication related to the peer-review process, including revisions and correspondence with journal editors and reviewers.
• Deliver research presentations in English at international academic conferences, including the development of visual materials and accompanying scripts.
• Prepare technical reports, particularly those detailing the results of statistical analyses.
• Manage and develop scientific communication content, including summaries for broader audiences where appropriate.
• Actively contribute to the creation and maintenance of Open Science repositories, including data and reproducible code.
• Collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator and other members of the research team.
• Participate in UPF/RECSM research activities, such as seminars, winter/summer schools, among others.

Research line of the contract: Survey Methodology.

Financing source: PRINT00725 FPM - ESS ERIC WP7 - Diana Zavala

Since this contract will be financed through an extra-budgetary appropriation resulting from external revenue of a finite nature, it may be terminated for objective reasons due to the insufficiency of this appropriation to maintain this contract, in accordance with article 52.e of the Workers' Statute.

Qualifications

PhD in Political or Social Sciences with a focus on quantitative methodology. Candidates who are about to defend their doctoral thesis are invited to apply, but the selected candidate will only be hired once they have formally obtained the degree.

• Demonstrated expertise in advanced statistical analysis using R and Python.

• Proven track record in writing technical reports and academic publications that effectively communicate the results of statistical analyses.

• Proficiency in LaTeX.

• Knowledge of structural equation modeling (SEM).

• Knowledge of database software such as MySQL will be valued positively.

• The working language is English; oral and written fluency is required. Knowledge of Catalan will be valued positively.

• A general aptitude and interest in the use of computer tools and programs is essential. Digital tools and methods are used and developed, so technical adaptability and a willingness to learn are required.

Salary/duration/benefits/facilities

Type of contract: Indefinite, in accordance with the terms of article 23 bis of Law 14/2011, of 1 June, on Science, Technology and Innovation. The contract is tied to the estimated tasks required for the project, which is expected to run until September 31, 2028. However, remaining in the position will be subject to two planned performance reviews scheduled six months and one year after the starting date.

This is a full-time position (37.5h/week)

Salary: 26.856,24 € gross/year approx. (full-time contract)

Location is hybrid: a combination of remote work and on-site at UPF.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, candidates must send the following documentation by Interfolio:

1. A letter of motivation (max. 2 pages) explaining how the candidate fulfills the qualifications mentioned in the job description
2. A CV
3. A sample of a technical report and an academic article written in English (it can be any short text or texts, max. 5 pages)
4. A sample of a peer-reviewed publication focused on survey data analysis
5. Sample scripts in R and LaTex
6. A recommendation letter
7. A copy of your ID card or passport

Selection criteria

· CV and previous experience: 1-5

· Disciplinary fit with the project: 1-5 points

· Relevance of publications: 1-5 points

· Scripts: 1-5 points

· Relevant additional skills: 1-5 points

The candidate must obtain a minimum of 4 points for each of the selection criteria to be invited to an interview.

The selection committee will decide on the need for an interview with the shortlisted candidates.

Selection committee

· President:Diana Zavala-Rojas

· Substitute President: Javier Astudillo

· Secretary: John Palmer

· Substitute Secretary: Zoe Amelia Thomson

· Member: Melanie Revilla

· Substitute Member: Maria Jose Gonzalez

Contact email: hannah.schwarz@upf.edu

Information about the selection process: h ttps://www.upf.edu/web/politiques/ofertes-de-treball

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

UPF promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.