Postdoctoral Researcher: Deception in World Politics

1. Introduction

Are you a motivated researcher and would you like to investigate why and how states and other actors employ deception in international relations? Do you have an interest in international relations theory, political communication, philosophy and/or linguistics, and are you keen to combine these interests in cutting-edge and policy-relevant research? Then you have a part to play as a Postdoctoral Researcher on the project ‘Deception in World Politics’. 

2. Job description

The project focuses on the motivations for and processes of deception employed by states and other sub/non-state actors in their foreign policy discourses and behaviour, as well as in international relations writ large. This involves (i) conceptualising the international politics of deception (including, for example, lying, BS, deceptive implicatures, disinformation), (ii) identifying the conditions and structures which facilitate them (for example post-truth politics, digital tools of communication, polarisation), (iii) designing suitable methodologies as well as (iv) describing and analysing relevant communicative processes and behaviours.

You will conduct research on deception and deceptive communication in international relations, either quantitatively with the help of datasets created as part of the project or qualitatively via in-depth case studies, discourse/content analysis, or other suitable methods.

You will conduct this research partly independently, and partly in collaboration with the project team, which includes Dr Gustav Meibauer as project lead as well as a PhD candidate who is to start in late 2025. You will write and co-author academic publications together with the other project team members.

You will help with knowledge sharing and outreach in the project, and help train the PhD candidate in appropriate theory and methods. You will also help create and facilitate opportunities for Master's degree research (e.g. postgraduate theses) within the project, and contribute to departmental teaching/supervision within the range of your expertise.

Ultimately, the project also aims to identify how policymakers or societies can become resilient to or otherwise combat deceptive communication where it is harmful to democratic governance and peaceful co-existence.

This postdoctoral researcher position also involves 15% teaching duties (including thesis supervision). 

3. Profile

• You have (or are nearing completion of) a PhD degree in International Relations, or any other relevant discipline with a solid background for the study of political communication and international politics.
• You have knowledge of current debates in one or more fields relevant to this project, for example international relations theory, political communication, linguistics, philosophy (of language), or specific deception, propaganda, misinformation, lying, post-truth politics.
• You have expertise in innovative research methodologies.
• You have well-developed academic writing skills.
• You have demonstrated ability to work in an independent manner.
• You have an excellent command of English.

4. We are

The research project is led by Dr Gustav Meibauer, Assistant Professor in International Relations. Gustav has worked extensively on the political dynamics of foreign policy choice as well as on the role of political ideas, rhetoric and communication in decision-making processes. He has published widely on the subject of international relations theory.

The project, which will also include a PhD candidate (to start in late 2025), will be embedded in the International Relations Chair Group (Prof. Bertjan Verbeek), which consists of multiple internationally recognised staff covering a broad range of international relations approaches and dynamics.

The Chair Group in turn is part of the Department of Political Science at Radboud University. We are a vibrant, collaborative and supportive academic community that values diversity, curiosity as well as excellence in research, teaching and public engagement.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 2 years and 3 months.
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Dr Gustav Meibauer. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Tuesday 1 October. Any second interview will take place on Tuesday 8 October. You will preferably start your employment on 1 January 2025.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information.