Marie Curie ITN Researcher in Digital Platforms and Russian Influence Strategies
PhD position in the Horizon Europe INFLUENCE network exploring Russia’s digital disinformation campaigns in Europe’s Eastern periphery.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers in political science, international relations, or digital communication with an interest in disinformation, geopolitics, and digital platforms.
Overview
This Marie Curie Doctoral Network (ITN) position offers a fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Glasgow’s School of Social & Political Sciences. The successful candidate will conduct doctoral research within the INFLUENCE network, investigating how Russia exploits digital platforms to spread disinformation and strategic narratives across Europe’s Eastern periphery. The role involves independent research, international mobility, secondments, academic and policy outputs, and thesis completion. Applicants will benefit from advanced training, intersectoral collaboration, and a multidisciplinary environment focused on geopolitical influence and digital communication.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent and collaborative research on Russia’s use of digital platforms to spread disinformation and strategic narratives in Europe’s Eastern periphery.
- Engage in international mobility and secondment activities as part of the INFLUENCE network.
- Contribute to academic and policy-oriented outputs, including publications and conference presentations.
- Present research findings at national and international workshops and conferences.
- Complete a doctoral thesis within the funding period, demonstrating original research contributions.
- Participate in advanced research training and professional development programmes offered by the network.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Digital Communication, or a related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and publication (no specific test score mentioned).
Instruction: English
- Proven research experience in political science, international relations, or digital communication.
- Strong analytical and writing skills for academic and policy-oriented outputs.
- Ability to conduct independent research and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.
- Familiarity with digital platforms, disinformation, and geopolitical analysis.
- Experience with qualitative or mixed-methods research approaches.
- Applicant must not have resided or worked in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment (Marie Curie mobility rule).
- Applicant must not have obtained a doctoral degree.
- Eligibility criteria for Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions must be met (see [EU guidelines](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2021-2022/wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2021-2022_en.pdf)).
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-15 (Europe/London)
Applicants must apply through the University of Glasgow’s official job portal. The application process will require submitting a CV, cover letter, research proposal, and academic transcripts. Additional documents may be requested based on the application guidelines provided by the INFLUENCE network.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Proof of eligibility for Marie Curie actions (if applicable)
Contact
Luca Anceschi· Professor
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