PhD Researcher in Sociology

Trinity is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 75th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026). Founded in 1592, the University is steeped in history with a reputation for excellence in [ed](: https://www.tcd.ie/hr/assets/pdf/academic-hours-public-service-agreement.pdf)ucation, research, and innovation, which has been inspiring generations of thinkers for over 400 years. Trinity College Dublin- an introduction Post Summary The Department of Sociology at Trinity College Dublin invites applications for one fully funded doctoral position in the PhD in Sociology programme for a period of 48 months. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to design and carry out an innovative PhD project titled ‘Meritocracy as Political Culture: A Comparative Analysis of Structures, Attitudes, and Meanings,’ which examines meritocracy as a dynamic political culture that responds to structural transformations and shapes political attitudes in systematic ways. Meritocracy is widely regarded as a core principle of a fair society, based on the idea that individuals should be rewarded according to their talent and effort rather than their family background. In principle, this ideal promotes equality of opportunity and intergenerational mobility. However, a growing body of research highlights the paradoxical role of meritocratic beliefs in legitimising existing inequalities. As a dominant cultural framework, meritocratic ideals encourage individuals to interpret wealth and poverty as fair outcomes of ability and effort, thereby normalising unequal social structures and reinforcing liberal notions of individual responsibility. Recent political developments in the United States and Europe suggest that the public legitimacy of meritocratic ideals may be increasingly fragile. Despite expanding access to education, the promise of upward mobility through individual effort appears less attainable for many. This widening gap between meritocratic ideals and lived experience may undermine trust in liberal institutions and contribute to political discontent, including resentment toward elites as well as hostility toward immigrants and minority groups. In this context, the project 2 explores how meritocratic culture is formed, how it shapes exclusionary political attitudes, and why its political consequences vary across national contexts. The PhD project will combine multiple methodological approaches. Cross-national macrolevel data will be used to examine the structural conditions under which meritocratic culture emerges and intensifies, while cross-national survey data will analyse the relationship between meritocratic climate and individuals’ exclusionary attitudes, including anti-immigrant and anti-minority sentiments. In addition, the project will draw on qualitative interviews conducted in Ireland and South Korea to explore how individuals interpret the meaning of merit and meritocracy in different national contexts. Application Procedure Informal enquiries are very welcome and can be made directly to Dr Joonghyun Kwak (joonghyun.kwak@tcd.ie), Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology. To apply, candidates should submit: 1. A motivation letter (maximum 1 page) outlining the applicant’s motivation for pursuing a PhD, their interest in the project and the PhD programme, and how their background and skills match the requirements of the position; 2. A full curriculum vitae ; 3. A concise research statement (maximum 1,500 words, excluding references) describing how the applicant’s academic background, research interests, and methodological skills align with the project and outlining potential directions for doctoral research within its scope; 4. The names and contact details (including email addresses) of two referees; 5. At least one example of written work in English (including some data analysis) demonstrating the applicant’s analytical and writing skills in a social science discipline; 6. Official transcripts of records from all completed higher education degrees (e.g., Bachelor's and Master's). via email to • Dr Joonghyun Kwak (joonghyun.kwak@tcd.ie), Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology. before the closing date of 1 May 2026 (23:00 GMT). Applications must indicate exactly “PhD Application in Sociology” in the subject line Our Values - putting our words into action Values matter. They are key to the success of our Strategic Plan. We centre our behavioural values around the importance of belonging. We recognise that the university will thrive by each of us respecting and caring for one another. We know we can achieve much more through working together. We know too that we must take responsibility for our actions and be accountable. We must, and will never stop, imagining. And through being nature positive we connect not just with the environment but with our ambitions for a sustainable future. At Trinity, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all individuals, including those with disabilities, those who have followed non-traditional career paths, and those who have taken time out for reasons such as family or caring responsibilities. We also welcome international applicants, including those who have been displaced due to conflict or war. Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s premier university. We are an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and hold an Athena Swan Silver Award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality both within Trinity and across the higher education sector. Trinity is committed to supporting work–life balance and creating a family-friendly working environment. Further Information Filesize Notes Job Description 329.3 Return to Search