Doctoral Research Fellow (DIViNE)
Join an EU-funded Marie Curie Doctoral Network investigating political violence and democratic institutions in Europe.
Best for:Best for political science graduates with strong quantitative methods training and an interest in political violence and democratization.
Overview
The University of Essex invites applications for a Doctoral Research Fellow position within the Department of Government as part of the DIViNE Marie Curie Doctoral Training Network. The researcher will investigate political violence, democratic resilience, and institutional design under one of four designated research themes. The successful candidate will engage in rigorous academic research, participate in network-wide training events, and contribute to policy-relevant insights on democratic institutions. Applicants are expected to conduct independent research, collaborate across international network nodes, and complete a doctoral thesis.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent doctoral research focusing on political violence and democratic institutions within one of the DIViNE network themes.
- Utilize quantitative methods and social science research design principles to analyze empirical data.
- Participate actively in network training events, workshops, and secondments across international partner nodes.
- Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals and policy-oriented outlets.
- Collaborate with international researchers and external stakeholders to advance network objectives.
Requirements
Degree required: MA/MSc level degree in political science or a closely related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Demonstrated knowledge of existing research on political violence and democratic institutions
- Proficiency in quantitative methods and core principles of social science research design
- Ability to formulate original research ideas suitable for a doctoral thesis
- Willingness to relocate to the UK, work on campus, and undertake international network travel
- Must not have resided or carried out main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment
- Must not already possess a doctoral-level research degree (PhD)
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-11
Candidates must submit their application through the external vacancy portal linked in the job description. Ensure all required documentation addressing the person specification and research themes is uploaded prior to the deadline.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research proposal or statement
- Academic transcripts
Contact
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