4 Years Fully Funded PhD Researcher Opportunity in International Relations and Political Science at the Geneva Graduate Institute: Apply!
The Geneva Graduate Institute, a world-renowned center for international relations and development studies, is offering a fully funded PhD researcher position in the Department of International Relations and Political Science (IRPS).
This opportunity is part of the SNSF-funded project “Knowledge Production, Networks, and Power in Global Education Governance: The Politics of Expertise in UNESCO, OECD, and the World Bank.”
The position runs for four years (September 2026 – August 2030) with a full-time contract. The application deadline is May 4, 2026, and the selected candidate will begin in September 2026.
About the Geneva Graduate Institute
Founded in 1927, the Geneva Graduate Institute offers a multicultural, interdisciplinary environment for advanced study in international relations and development. The institute provides master’s and doctoral programs and conducts research on global challenges, including governance, development policy, and international cooperation.
Project Overview
The doctoral researcher will contribute to a project examining how international organizations produce and mobilize expert knowledge in global education governance. Key focus areas include:
- The production and circulation of policy knowledge by organizations like UNESCO, OECD, and the World Bank
- Networks of expertise and their structure
- Organizational practices that influence knowledge production
The research employs a mixed-methods design, combining social network analysis with network-cued interviews, allowing for both quantitative and qualitative insights.
Candidate Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Master’s degree in political science, international relations, comparative/international education, education policy, or related social science disciplines
- Strong interest in the politics of expertise and international organizations
- Research and analytical skills, with ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Experience in mixed methods or social network analysis is preferred
Responsibilities
The doctoral researcher will:
- Integrate into the IRPS department’s academic life and complete doctoral coursework
- Participate in project research, including data collection, analysis, and fieldwork
- Develop an independent doctoral dissertation aligned with the SNSF project
- Assist with project-related administrative tasks
What the Program Offers
The Geneva Graduate Institute provides:
- Competitive salary and welfare benefits aligned with SNSF doctoral researcher standards
- Collaborative, diverse academic community with mentoring and supervision
- Opportunities to attend international and European conferences and workshops
- Support for international research travel
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a complete application in PDF format by May 4, 2026. Required documents include:
- Letter of Motivation
- Short Research Proposal (max. 1,000 words) connected to the SNSF project
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Grade Transcripts and Degree Diplomas (with translations if necessary)
- Writing Sample (MA thesis chapter, article manuscript, or published chapter)
- Two reference letters or names of referees
- English language certificate
Applications sent by post or direct email will not be considered.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Geneva Graduate Institute is committed to diversity and inclusion. It does not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
