3-year Research Fellow/PhD Studentship Ref: P 25062-G16 The Department of Political Science invites applications for a 3-year research

fellowship/PhD studentship (part time, 75%) for the research project Between Europe and the Citizens A Comparative Analysis of the Communication Function of National Parliaments in EU Politics, funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and led by Assistant Professor Dr. Katrin Auel. Salary is paid according to the FWF scheme (EUR 27.000 p.a.). Over the last 20 years, the role of national parliaments in EU affairs has received considerable academic attention. Much of the literature focuses on parliamentary scrutiny and control, but tends to overlook that the parliamentary communication function is at least as important in EU politics. Democratic legitimacy depends not only on parliamentary influence, but also on a vibrant public debate to allow citizens to make informed political choices and to exercise democratic control. Yet so far we know little about how parliaments communicate EU politics and whether they actually reach their citizens. Based on the assumption that citizens experience politics mainly through the media, the research project will investigate both, the communication efforts of national parliaments in EU politics and their coverage in the national media. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research community within the Institute of Advanced Studies, one of Austrias premier postgraduate research and training institutes in the areas of political science, sociology, economics and finance. The very dynamic Department of Political Science is deeply committed to internationally competitive and highly visible research with a particular focus on the comparative study of the European integration process and its impact on Member States representative structures and institutions. We are looking for a candidate with a very good Masters Degree in Political Science, International Relations or a related area, and interest in and the ability to work in a collaborative environment and excellent oral and written communication and English language skills. Also desirable are experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, a background in Comparative Politics and EU Studies as well as knowledge of further European languages. The post is available from 1 October 2012. Closing date for applications: 6 July 2012, 12 noon. Please send your application including a brief motivation letter, your CV, copies of your University transcripts, examples of your academic work and the contact details of at least two academic referees via e-mail to Dr Katrin Auel: auel@ihs.ac.at. Interviews will be held in late July 2012. Further information about the Department is available at http://www.ihs.ac.at/vienna/IHSDepartments-2/Political-Science-1.htm. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Katrin Auel, Tel: +43 (0) 1 59991-217; Email: auel@ihs.ac.at