Data supervisor to the Department of Political Science, Gothenburg University

The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Political Science is an international academic environment that welcomes students, researchers, and staff from all over the world. Our research covers topics such as political institutions, elections, public opinion and democracy, international and European politics, environmental politics, corruption, and political ideas. Each year, we organize a large number of research seminars and workshops across the department's different research areas. We offer education at all levels in both Swedish and English. In total, around 1,400 people study with us, and we have approximately 170 employees.

More information about the department is available at www.pol.gu.se.

The Department of Political Science is currently seeking a data supervisor for the research project "The Local Quality of Government (Lo-QoG) dataset: A hub for local societal indicators across Europe" / (Local data across Europe: a platform with local indicators for corruption risks and societal phenomena).

The position is a full-time temporary replacement position (100%) for 6 months.

Duties

As a data supervisor you will work with the next phase of the LoQoG project together with the data team. The focus is on collecting and preparing municipal-level data in the member states of the European Union. The primary goal is to integrate statistical data with previously collected geographic data in order to compile a comprehensive database.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Identifying and collecting municipal-level data in different subject areas from sources such as national statistical offices and European databases, for integration with existing geographic data.
• Programming data cleaning and merging scripts in Python within existing data pipelines
• Checking results against legislative documents and official registers and verifying licensing requirements for different data sources.
• Communicating with national authorities and data providers to obtain missing information or clarify issues relating to data quality.
• Preparing technical documentation (metadata) and materials for reports and presentations for the project's stakeholders.

You will be part of the department's research support, which consists of more than twenty people who contribute to the department's various research projects. The research support has regular shorter meetings.

Qualifications

We are seeking a candidate with at least a master's degree in a related field. Our ideal candidate is a highly motivated person with an interest in data management. The following qualifications are required:

• Intermediate level programming skills in Python
• Demonstrated experience using Python for data curation and management
• Demonstrated experience working independently on Python-based projects

It is considered an advantage if you have:

• Demonstrated Python skills in data curation and management for a project outside of schoolwork
• Working knowledge of GitHub
• Previous experience working with European municipal data
• Previous experience working with spatial data
• Previous experience with data harmonization
• Working knowledge of database creation and management

The role requires you to be solution-oriented, proactive, and meticulous. You must be able to identify and correct discrepancies in large datasets independently. We are looking for someone who can work both independently and as part of a team, while maintaining a research-oriented mindset. A structured and careful approach to data documentation and reporting is essential for this role.

Excellent command of English, both spoken and written, is required. Additional language skills in European languages are highly meritorious.

Employment

The position is a temporary position of 6 months. 100% full-time, you will be included in the research support at the Department of Political Science.

Start date: as soon as possible.

Contact information for the post

For information about the tasks and the project you can contact erica.metheney@gu.se.

Other questions about the employment and the employment procedure can be directed to the

Deputy Head of Administration, Head of Research Support Linda.Forsberg@gu.se and

Human Resources Officer Helena.Jensen@gu.se.

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives

Application

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal by clicking the "Apply" button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

Please write your application in English, as it may be reviewed by English-speaking staff. The selection process will likely include interviews, work samples, and reference checks.

The application must include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing why you are interested in the job, how you can contribute to the research project, and how you meet the criteria above.
• A CV.
• A text written in English that in some way demonstrates academic writing.
• Python script demonstrating your data curation and management skills at an intermediate level
• A list of two or more references who may be contacted for letters of recommendation.
• Your grades from your undergraduate studies and Master's studies.

Applications must be received by: 2026-10-14

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden's regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.