Two postdoctoral positions are open within the ERC Synergy Grant CLOSER, dedicated to the study of political party systems and social cleavages in the post-Ottoman Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The project covers several countries, including Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Turkey, and Tunisia, over a period from 1908 to the present day.

These positions are part of an interdisciplinary approach combining geography, sociology, and political science, with a strong quantitative and comparative dimension.

Two profiles are sought:

1. Postdoctoral position – electoral data analysis (2 years)

• Collection and structuring of electoral and socio-economic data

• Analysis of relationships between territories and voting behaviour

• Comparative approach across different scales

2. Postdoctoral position – survey analysis (3 years)

• Comparative analysis of social and political cleavages

• Use of international and national survey data

• Study of cleavages dynamics over the past two decades

Fieldwork missions in the countries concerned are expected.

Profile:

• PhD in geography or a relevant field

• Skills in quantitative analysis (statistics, territorial or survey data)

• Good knowledge of the studied region (asset)

• Proficiency in English, French, and Arabic

Practical information:

• Application deadline: 30 April 2026

• Start date: 1 September 2026

• Duration: 2 or 3 years depending on the position

• Location: Université libre de Bruxelles

Application :

The application must include:

• CV

• Motivation letter

• One-page project proposal

Contact : gilles.van.hamme@ulb.be