Prof. Stefanie Walter (University of Zurich, Chair of IR) is seeking, from April 2024 until April 2025
1 Research Assistant (20%)
With some training in text as data and automated content analysis methods. This work will focus (but not exclusively) on the analysis of IOParlspeech, a dataset of statements on international organizations by parliamentarians between 1990 and 2018. This dataset has been developed by the DISINTEGRATION project. Whilst some knowledge of text as data is desirable (e.g. through University courses), training will also be provided.
Your tasks:
- Use a variety of Quantitative Text Analysis (QTA) and NLP tools (topic modelling, classification, sentiment analysis etc.) to draw insights from texts on international affairs
- Contribute to validation of automated methods, for example through hand coding
- Desk research for other text resources on international affairs
Your profile:
- Knowledge of quantitative text analysis and R, for example through a university course. It is not a requirement to have already completed the course.
- Knowledge of other coding languages (e.g. Python) is an advantage but not a must
- Proactive in identifying patterns in text data and inductively developing and testing hypotheses
- Good knowledge of English. Knowledge of German is an advantage.
- Experience and/or interest in social science research desirable
- Student at a Swiss university for the duration of the contract (until April 2025)
We offer you:
- Active participation in the Chair of International Relations and Political Economy as well as integration into the Chair team
- Interesting opportunity to apply skills developed during your university degree
- Insights into ongoing research projects
- An open and constructive working atmosphere
The scope of work is around 8 hours per week and can generally be divided relatively flexibly. At the beginning of the employment relationship, the main task will be contributing to validation through hand coding, for which sufficient time should be available. Remuneration is hourly and based on the University of Zurich’s approaches.The position is limited to one year until April 2025. which is the official date of the end of the DISINTEGRATION project.
Please apply through our application page: https://www.ipz.uzh.ch/de/ueber-uns/offene-stellen/2024-RA-Walter. Review of applications will begin on the 19th April 2024. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. If you have any questions, please email Dr. Tom Hunter at hunter@ipz.uzh.ch.