Doctoral Researcher in Russia’s Role in Promoting Illiberal Governance
Explore how illiberal governance models inspired by Russia diffuse across Europe through interdisciplinary research and policy engagement.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a Master’s in political science, international relations, or area studies, passionate about authoritarianism, governance, and interdisciplinary research.
Overview
This MSCA-funded doctoral position at the University of Helsinki investigates how illiberal governance practices, inspired by Russian models, spread and adapt in European political contexts. As part of the INFLUENCE Doctoral Network—a collaborative initiative spanning five European universities—candidates will conduct research on authoritarian strategies, judicial politicization, media restrictions, and institutional capture. The role offers joint supervision, mandatory secondments at partner institutions, and training in advanced research methods and policy engagement. Ideal for scholars with a background in political science, international relations, or related fields, this position emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sectoral learning.
What you'll do
- Conduct original research on how illiberal governance models inspired by Russia diffuse and adapt across Europe, focusing on judicial politicization, media restrictions, and institutional capture.
- Develop and implement a research plan in collaboration with joint supervisors from the University of Helsinki and partner institutions within the INFLUENCE network.
- Complete mandatory secondments (minimum 6 months) at academic and non-academic partner institutions to gain interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral experience.
- Engage with policy stakeholders to bridge academic research and practical applications in governance and democracy promotion.
- Participate in advanced training programs in research methods, transferable skills, and professional development.
- Present research findings at conferences, workshops, and network events, both within and outside Finland.
- Contribute to teaching and mentoring activities as part of the doctoral programme, including collaborative supervision of junior researchers.
- Publish research outcomes in high-quality academic journals and contribute to policy reports or briefings.
- Adhere to the INFLUENCE network’s commitment to transparency, merit-based selection, and inclusive recruitment practices.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Area Studies, Sociology, History, Media Studies, Security Studies, or a related discipline, or equivalent qualification that formally entitles the applicant to pursue a doctoral degree.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and daily work (implied by MSCA eligibility criteria).
Instruction: English
- Strong academic background in political science, international relations, or a closely related field.
- Excellent research skills, including ability to design and execute interdisciplinary research projects.
- Proficient written and spoken English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, though not explicitly stated, implied by MSCA requirements).
- Experience with qualitative or mixed-methods research, including case studies, comparative analysis, or discourse analysis.
- Ability to work collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary team.
- Willingness and ability to travel for secondments, conferences, and training events.
- Familiarity with theoretical frameworks on authoritarianism, governance, or political economy is highly beneficial.
- Applicant must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.
- Must not have resided or carried out main activity (work, studies) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment.
- Applicant can be of any nationality but must comply with the MSCA mobility rule.
- Must be ready to relocate to Finland and participate in mandatory secondments abroad.
- Must obtain the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki within the standard 6-month probationary period.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-15 (Europe/Helsinki)
Applicants must submit a PDF application package through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System. Required documents include a cover letter, a prospective research proposal outlining interest in the specific project, a curriculum vitae, and degree certificates with academic transcripts. The application deadline is strictly 23:59 on 15 December 2026, Europe/Helsinki time.
- Cover letter
- Prospective research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae
- Degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
Contact
Ira Jänis-Isokangas· Project Coordinator / Supervisor
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.