Job Description

The Department of Political Science at the University of Basel, Switzerland, is looking for a PhD position for the project "Electoral choice. Which role does legislators' quality play", which is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF). This project is a collaboration of the University of Basel and the University of Geneva together with a team of international experts. Project investigators are Prof. Nathalie Giger and Prof. Stefanie Bailer.

Your position

This project examines the quality of politicians, with a particular focus on how citizens assess it. Beyond ideology, we explore whether MPs can effectively perform and implement their ideas - something shaped by their effort and policy influence. The project develops a comprehensive index of MP quality always with a close focus on which qualities voters value most. In a second step, we analyze how these factors influence vote choice, and how the role of quality in elections can be strengthened. Empirically, the project combines surveys, survey experiments, and text-as-data methods.

Your profile

Master in Political Science or related field Strong skills in quantitative methods and a strong command of R or another statistical programme Motivation to conduct independent research on your PhD as well as work together with an international team of researchers Interest in research on legislators and voters Fluency in written and spoken English

We offer you

A joint research project (University of Basel and Geneva) in which you can set your own research focus A position for four years Salary and social benefits according to the University of Basel and SNF rules Resources to conduct your own research and participate in international conferences and summer schools Membership in the Graduate School of Social Sciences (G3S) An international research environment

Application / Contact

Please submit the following documents:A cover letter describing your motivation, research interests and how you would fit into the project CV One writing sample, for example a seminar paper or master thesis Copies of relevant diplomas and certificates


If you have any further questions about the position, please contact us (stefanie.bailer@unibas.ch). Application deadline is

15th December 2025

. Interviews are scheduled for January 2026. Start date is 1st March 2026 (or to be discussed).
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