Postdoctoral Fellow in Legal Studies

International Center for the Study of Institutions and Development (ICSID), Moscow, Russia 

The International Center for the Study of Institutions and Development (ICSID) at HSE University in Moscow, Russia, invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in the field of legal studies.

For more than 20 years after the beginning of the economic transition, the problems of court efficiency, development of a legal community, and estimation of the quality of the law enforcement system have remained important for Russia. In 2015, the ICSID team conducted a representative survey of 3,317 lawyers in 35 Russian regions. The survey was conducted using a formalized questionnaire distributed through the regional branches of the Russian Federal Bar Association. Additionally, from 2018-2024 the ICSID team collected more than 60 biographical interviews with representatives of the legal community (attorneys, corporate lawyers, in-house lawyers, etc.). In addition, we currently work with a database of court cases, including around 14 million documents on criminal cases, to analyze legal and extralegal factors influencing judges’ decisions.

Current topics of interest include the development of the legal profession in contemporary Russia (with a focus on in-house lawyers and corporate lawyers), collective action in the legal profession (including pro bono practices), legal and extralegal factors of sentencing (including gender differences), and comparative studies of the legal profession in post-Soviet countries. Successful candidates will participate in ongoing research on these topics in ICSID. Candidates whose research contains a comparative perspective or focuses on contexts other than Russia are also encouraged to apply.   

Russia is fertile ground for research on the political economy of development. ICSID offers unique databases for such research. Among them are:

●      An online survey of more than 10500 respondents in 100 Russian cities in 2024 and 23,000 respondents in 61 Russian regions to study norms, values, attitudes, and behavior during the pandemic was conducted in November 2020.

●      surveys of approximately 35,000 individuals in the majority of Russian regions conducted in 2000-2011 and containing rich information about the norms, preferences, and quality of institutions.

●      Detailed statistics of economic and social life at regional and municipal levels

●      Data on biographies of more than 300 governors in 1993-2018; almost 1000 representatives of the federal elite in 2000-2012, 3,500 officials from the regional elite in 2000-2012;

●      data from the Russian Empire Census of 1897.

●      Special surveys, such as one of 3,300 attorneys in 35 regions of Russia.

We also used other sources of information, such as the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS), World Value Survey, and European Values Study.

Requirements

The general requirements for postdoctoral fellowship positions are as follows.

●      a Ph.D. in Legal Studies, Law and Economics, Political Science or Sociology (awarded  last five years but before the start of the program);

●      Ability to work as a team

●      Quantitative skills, ability to carry out research using Python/R/Stata/similar software to meet standards of academic journals

●      Peer-reviewed publications, working papers, or job market papers in the field will be a strong advantage.

●      working language is English, knowledge of the Russian language is an asset but is not required.

●      submission of at least one paper related to the project in peer-reviewed journal

●      full-time research with at least two presentations of results during the year.

The position involves:

●      working in the research group with Dr. Anton Kazun.

●      possibility to collaborate with the ICSID team.

●      Successful candidates are encouraged to pursue their research (up to 50% of the time) in parallel with the ongoing research at the ICSID.

●      writing research papers for international peer-reviewed journals in co-authorship with ICSID researchers

●      some teaching, as well as one or two public presentations of the candidate’s own research, are also encouraged

●      participation in the organization of events and other contributions to the development of ICSID.

Conditions

Appointments are typically made for one year (September 2025). Postdoctoral fellows have the opportunity to renew the contract (no more than two times).

HSE University offers postdoctoral fellows a competitive salary, a standard medical insurance plan, a working space equipped with a computer, and free Internet access.

The Center offers access to its unique databases on socio-economic indicators of Russian regions, political elites, and the historical roots of institutions in Russia. The ICSID also provides all necessary support for research, such as up-to-date analytical software, funding for attendance at international conferences, and research assistantship. Moreover, the HSE library provides access to a large number of academic journals.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online. Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest, and a recent research paper submitted via an online application. At least two letters of recommendation were sent directly to the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru before the application deadline. Please note that direct applications tohiring centers may not be reviewed.

Read more about the application process here.

The deadline for the applications is February 9, 2025

Apply now

For more information:

-         about Postdoctoral Fellowship -Frequently Asked Questions

-         about HSE university –official web-site

-         about the International Center for the Study of Institutions and Development (ICSID) in Moscow, Russia – official website of the Centre or contact Valeriya Kotelnikova, a manager of the center, directly via vkotelnikova@hse.ru

-         about international specialists' life in Moscow -International Faculty Support page

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru.