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10 PhD Positions – INFLUENCE MSCA Doctoral Network

Ten doctoral positions investigating Russian influences, narratives, and interdependencies across the European periphery.

Best for:Best for aspiring political science and international relations researchers with an interest in European security and geopolitical dynamics.

Vilnius University · Vilnius, Lithuania · R1 · First-stage researcher
More professors at Vilnius University
GeopoliticsRussian foreign policyEuropean securityDigital disinformationEconomic interdependencies
Deadline
Dec 15, 2026
60 days
Funding
Salaried
3 years
Start date
2027-10-01
Fixed-term
Location
Vilnius
Lithuania

Overview

The MSCA Doctoral Network INFLUENCE invites applications for ten doctoral researcher positions across five prominent European universities, including Vilnius University, the University of Glasgow, the University of Helsinki, the University of Sarajevo, and the University of Warsaw. The network examines economic interdependencies, political narratives, digital platforms, governance, and security, with a special focus on the Baltic States and the Western Balkans. Funded through the EU's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the program combines structured doctoral research with international supervision, specialized training, and academic and non-academic secondments. Successful candidates will develop individual research proposals within specific project scopes to commence their doctoral studies on October 1, 2027.

MSCADoctoral NetworkPolitical ScienceInternational RelationsEastern EuropeHybrid Warfare

What you'll do

  • Develop and execute an independent doctoral research proposal aligned with one of the designated INFLUENCE sub-projects.
  • Engage in international supervision, advanced research training, and academic or non-academic secondments.
  • Conduct empirical investigations using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods such as discourse analysis, media monitoring, and comparative case studies.
  • Collaborate with international network partners across participating European universities.
  • Disseminate research findings through academic publications, policy briefs, and conference presentations.

Requirements

Degree required: Master's degree in Political Science, International Relations, or a related social science discipline

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; excellent written and spoken proficiency

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Demonstrated background in political science, international relations, or regional studies
  • Familiarity with qualitative or mixed-methods research design
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities
  • Ability to work collaboratively within an international research network
Nice to have
Prior experience with discourse analysis or media monitoring methodologiesKnowledge of post-Soviet politics or European security dynamicsProficiency in additional European languages relevant to the selected research focus
Eligibility
  • Applicants must comply with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions mobility rules where applicable.

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
—
Duration
3 years
Programme
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks
EU-FUNDEDEuropean Commission

How to apply

Review the specific research position details and application guidelines provided through the respective host institution's application portal. Submit all required documentation directly via the designated institutional link before the published deadline.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Research proposal
  • Transcripts
  • Reference letters
↗Apply via form

Contact

Lab
INFLUENCE MSCA Doctoral Network
Vilnius University
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral NetworksLithuania
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