PhD Position in Security Externalities and Post-Conflict Democratization
Investigate security provision and institutional resilience in post-conflict states within a pan-European doctoral network.
Best for:Best for political science graduates with quantitative skills interested in peace, conflict studies, and democratization.
Overview
The Università degli Studi di Milano invites applications for a fully-funded doctoral position focusing on security externalities and post-conflict democratization within the DIViNE Doctoral Network. Operating under Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the project examines how institutional reforms, development, and security dynamics interact to support democratic resilience or trigger renewed violence. The successful candidate will conduct comparative case analysis, leverage cross-national datasets, and complete mobility periods and secondments across partner institutions. Expected duties include advancing independent doctoral research, participating in network-wide training programs, and engaging in policy dissemination.
What you'll do
- Conduct rigorous doctoral research on security externalities and post-conflict democratization under the supervision of faculty mentors
- Analyze cross-national datasets, survey evidence, and comparative case materials to identify mechanisms promoting democratic durability
- Fulfill mandatory mobility requirements by undertaking research visits and secondments at partner universities and non-academic organizations
- Participate actively in network-wide research training activities, summer schools, and dissemination events
- Prepare high-quality research papers for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals and presentation at international conferences
- Engage with policy stakeholders through non-academic secondment placements
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in Political Science, International Relations, Conflict/Peace Studies, Sociology or a closely related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; professional working proficiency in written and spoken English sufficient for doctoral study
Instruction: English
- Strong academic track record in political science or a closely related social science discipline
- Demonstrable research interest in post-conflict studies, democratization, or security dynamics
- Foundational training or practical experience in quantitative research methods for social sciences
- Capacity to conduct independent academic research and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration
- Must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment
- Must comply with MSCA mobility rule: must not have resided or carried out main activity in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-15 (CET)
Applicants must submit all required application documents electronically through the designated online application portals. Ensure all documents are written in English and correctly reference position DC6 in the submission materials.
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Research statement
- Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
- Master's degree certificate and transcripts
- Contact details of two academic referees
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Copy of passport
Contact
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