The SWPS University is a non-public academic institution conducting scientific and educational activities in Warsaw, Wrocław, Sopot, Poznań, Katowice, and Kraków. We belong to the most active research centers in Poland, and the results of our research are applied in various areas of the economy and social life. We translate high-quality research into modern teaching methods, offering study programs based on the latest knowledge that truly prepare students for the challenges of the modern world.
It's a community that combines diverse experiences and beliefs. We create an open, multicultural environment that allows all employees to achieve their goals and fully develop their potential.
Our commitment to the development of science and the pursuit of the highest quality research is the foundation on which we build our successes, as evidenced by the distinction of being awarded the A+ category as one of the best research centers in the country in the fields of psychology, politics, and administration.
SWPS University, as a non-public institution, exists to serve humanity, society, and the environment through education, science, art, and public activities. We fulfill this mission as a strong institution, based on a community of employees, students, and alumni.
Location: Warszawa Ref. no.: 1169/INH/WWA/26
Post-doc
Institute of Humanities
Employment group: research
Research profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
Duties:
- conducting a research task focused on the integration of qualitative methods (impact narratives) and quantitative methods (indicators) in the assessment of the societal impact of research activities (within the Polish research evaluation system, this element is included under the so-called “Third Criterion”). The final outcome of the task will be the development, in collaboration with a software development team, of an application comparing approaches to societal impact assessment across different countries, their comparative analysis using a SWOT matrix, and the preparation of practical recommendations for evaluators
- conducting analyses of research assessment systems in selected European countries, including reviews of strategic documents, evaluation
frameworks, and impact descriptions (impact case studies)
- designing and conducting empirical research, including developing research protocols and conducting interviews or focus groups with policymakers, university administrative staff, evaluators, and researchers
- contributing to the mapping of contextual factors, System Readiness, and institutional readiness for implementing reforms in research assessment across Europe
- supporting the development of a European dashboard presenting approaches to research impact assessment and preparing country-level SWOT analyses
- actively engaging stakeholders throughout the research design process and during the collection of feedback
- co-authoring project reports (deliverables) in English, including a comprehensive final report incorporating perspectives on open data principles (FAIR) and issues related to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
- contributing to the preparation of scholarly publications and presenting research findings at international conferences
Requirements:
- holding a doctoral degree in linguistics, literary studies, or related disciplines (philosophy, sociology, political science and public administration, management and quality sciences, or other relevant disciplines within the fields of social sciences and humanities)
- fluency in English and Polish, both spoken and written (minimum C1 level), enabling independent conduct of interviews, literature reviews, and preparation of research reports and scholarly publications
- minimum 1-2 years of experience in conducting academic research, demonstrated through participation in research projects and/or scholarly publications
- highly developed analytical skills, the ability to independently synthesize data from diverse sources, and excellent project management skills, including meeting established milestones and deliverables
- ability to work effectively in an international and interdisciplinary research team
Preferred qualiffications:
- experience with qualitative research methods, particularly conducting individual and group interviews and performing critical content analysis of documents (policy documents, evaluation reports)
- knowledge of the European context of reforms in research assessment, including initiatives such as CoARA, principles of responsible use of bibliometric indicators, and alternative assessment approaches
- familiarity with higher education structures and national research evaluation systems and societal impact assessment frameworks (e.g., the UK Research Excellence Framework [REF], the Dutch Standard Evaluation Protocol [SEP], and the Polish research evaluation system)
- experience applying mixed-methods approaches, combining qualitative analysis with quantitative analysis and/or bibliometric methods
- practical experience with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., MaxQDA, NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or related tools)
- knowledge of Open Science principles, including FAIR data standards, as well as issues related to gender equality and inclusivity (EDI) in academia
- experience working on projects funded by European Union programs (e.g., Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe)
We offer:
- employment based on a fixed-term employment contract at ¼ FTE, from September 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029
- monthly gross salary of PLN 3,000 - 3,700.
- support for academic development from the Research and Projects Department in obtaining and managing grants
- opportunity to participate in scientific conferences
- bonuses for high-scoring publications affiliated with SWPS University
- support for the commercialization of research projects
- an attractive benefits package:
- a discount on graduate and postgraduate studies for employees as well as their close relatives and partners. This discount increases with the employee’s seniority
- a discount on SWPS University’s remaining educational offer
- a 30% discount on language courses offered by SWPS University’s language school
- professional development opportunities through participation in the Erasmus+ program
- psychological support via SWPS University's Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Clinic
- a Multisport Plus gym and fitness benefits package
- subsidized private healthcare package in Medicover or Lux Med for employees and attractively priced packages for their close relatives and partners
- access to a cafeteria of one-time benefits
- subsidized purchase of corrective glasses
- group life insurance policy option with the PZU insurance company
Required documents:
- CV with a list of academic, teaching, and administrative achievements (with reference to the criteria specified above), as well as a description of other professional experience and research interests
- a scanned copy of the document confirming the award of a doctoral degree
- cover letter (maximum 1 page)
- a statement confirming proficiency in a foreign language at the required level
Formal criteria:
- academic achievements, including publications in reputable journals/publishers and active participation in national and international conferences: 40% of the final grade
- competencies relevant to the tasks in the research project: 50% of the final grade
- distinctions resulting from scientific work (scholarships, awards), experience gained outside the home institution (domestically or abroad), workshops, training, and participation in research projects: 10% of the final grade
Important dates:
- the deadline for submission of documents is: 2026-07-20
- successful candidates will be announced on: 2026-08-20
- date of commencement of work: 2026-09-01
Competition Committee:
- Ph.D. Marta Wróblewska - Chair of the Committee
- Ph.D. Jakub Krzosek - Member of the Committee
- Associate Professor Konrad Piotrowski - Member of the Committee
- Aleksandra Prusinowska - Member of the HR
- Zuzanna Świtalska - Committee Secretary
Regulations for the recruitment of Research and Research-Technical Staff at SWPS University
The Competition Committee reserves the right to contact only selected candidates.
The candidates who receive the highest scores from the Committee will be invited for an interview.
For any additional information please contact [email protected] referring to ref. no. 1169/INH/WWA/26.
Applications should be submitted electronically using the application form available by clicking on the APPLY button.
Research project description:
REALISE: Responsible EvaluaĒion and AssessmenĒ Leading Ēo Inclusive ScienĒific Excellence (2026-2029)
REALISE is a research project funded under the European Commission’s Horizon Europe program and implemented by a consortium of nine partners from European Union countries and the United Kingdom.
The project aims to develop a research-based foundation for reforming research assessment systems in Europe. It will integrate existing knowledge sources on trends in research governance, with particular emphasis on research evaluation. The guiding principle of the project is Responsible Research Assessment. The objective is to create a transparent and accessible knowledge resource for policymakers and other decision-makers.
A key component of the project, for which the SWPS University team will be responsible, is the task: “Impact assessment through narratives and indicators -integrating indicators and narratives for the evaluation of societal impact.”
Further information is available at: https://martawroblewska.pl/grant-horyzont-europa-realise
