Marie Curie Research Fellow (PhD)
A fully funded PhD position investigating constitutional militarisation and democratic reform in Muslim-majority societies.
Best for:Best for researchers with a background in law, political science, or sociology interested in constitutional governance and democratic transitions.
Overview
The University of Birmingham is recruiting a PhD candidate for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network project titled 'A Sociology of Post-Imperial Islamic Legal Cultures' (MINARET). This research position focuses on constitutional militarisation, security, and democratic reform, specifically examining military influence on governance in Egypt, Türkiye, and Sudan. The successful candidate will conduct comparative doctoral-level research to assess how legal reforms can promote civilian oversight and democratic transitions. The role involves working within an international team, participating in network training, and completing two mandatory secondments abroad.
What you'll do
- Conduct original doctoral-level research on constitutional militarisation and security reform.
- Analyze and interpret complex research findings within the project's scope.
- Collaborate effectively within an international, multi-site research team.
- Participate in mandatory academic and non-academic secondments of two to six months duration.
- Contribute to the development of research bids and funding applications.
- Engage in network training events and disseminate research findings to the public.
- Contribute to the broader goals of the MINARET research programme.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent qualification that entitles the holder to start a doctorate.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency required for research and academic collaboration.
Instruction: English
- Strong academic background in Law, Political Science, or a related social science discipline.
- Ability to conduct comparative research on constitutional and administrative governance.
- Capacity to work collaboratively in an international research environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.
- Must have less than four years of full-time equivalent research experience.
- Must not have resided or carried out main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-01-31
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official university portal. Ensure all required documentation is uploaded as specified in the online job description.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal
Contact
Chris Thornhill· Principal Investigator
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