The Constitution Society (www.consoc.org.uk) is an independent, non-party foundation which works to promote informed debate about constitutional reform. The Society publishes papers on constitutional topics by leading experts as well as conducting its own research programmes. We hold regular conferences, seminars and lectures.

We are seeking to recruit a Research Fellow on a fixed-term appointment to research and write a paper on the dynamics of political parties in the UK.

The paper will explore the ways in which the behaviour of contemporary political parties is shaped by their organisational structures and the interactions of individuals and groups within party organisations, rather than simply by political policy or ideology. Contemporary parties do not function as simple hierarchies. Individuals inside party structures have varying interests and career paths, and the relationships between them are fluid: the leader; her immediate circle of salaried advisors; MPs; national and local party organisers; party members. In this complex anthropology, the rules for selecting and deselecting those in different roles may play a central role in framing their inter-relationships. The proposed paper will include a review of the academic literature, and a detailed study comparing the internal dynamics of the contemporary Conservative and Labour parties.

The successful candidate will have a strong academic background in Political Anthropology to Masters’ level or beyond. Multi-disciplinary experience is an advantage. The ability to write clear and succinct English - accessible to politicians and public officials as well as to fellow academics - is essential.