Closing Date:
Exciting Fully Funded PhD Researcher Opportunity in International Relations and Political Science at the Geneva Graduate Institute: Apply Now
PhD Researcher Opportunity in International Relations and Political Science at the Geneva Graduate Institute for the SNSF-funded project “Knowledge Production, Networks, and Power in Global Education Governance”
CONTRACT DURATION: 4 Years (September 2026-August 2030)
STARTING DATE: September 7, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 4, 2026
Overview
The Department of International Relations and Political Science (IRPS) at the Geneva Graduate Institute invites applications for a fully funded doctoral researcher position within the SNSF-funded project “Knowledge Production, Networks, and Power in Global Education Governance: The Politics of Expertise in UNESCO, OECD, and the World Bank.”
The project examines how international organizations produce and mobilize expert knowledge in global education governance. Using a mixed-methods research design that combines social network analysis and “network-cued” interviews, the project investigates who produces global education policy knowledge, how networks of expertise are structured, and how organizational practices shape the production and circulation of knowledge.
The doctoral researcher will join a collaborative research team led by Professor Chanwoong Baek and contribute to the empirical research while developing an independent doctoral dissertation related to the project.
Required Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in political science, international relations, comparative and international education, education policy, or a related social science discipline.
- Strong interest in the politics of expertise, international organizations, and social network analysis.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an international research team.
- Experience with mixed methods and/or social network analysis (preferred).
Responsibilities
The doctoral researcher is expected to integrate fully into the academic life of the IRPS department and successfully complete the department’s doctoral coursework requirements. The doctoral researcher will contribute to the project’s research activities, including data collection, analysis, and fieldwork, while developing an independent doctoral dissertation connected to the theme of the SNSF-funded project. The doctoral researcher will also assist with project-related administrative tasks.
What is offered
- Salary and other welfare benefits in line with the SNSF range for doctoral researchers.
- A diverse, enriching, and collaborative academic community.
- Mentoring and supervision within the research team and beyond.
- Opportunities to participate in international and European conferences and workshops.
- Opportunities for international research travel.
How To Apply
Interested applicants should submit a complete application in PDF format by May 4, 2026. All applications will be processed through the Institute job portal: https://erecruit.graduateinstitute.ch/recrutement/?page=advertisement_display&id=668
The application package should include:
- Letter of Motivation
- Short Research Proposal (max. 1,000 words) connected to this SNSF project
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Grade Transcripts, Degree Diplomas (translations if necessary)
- Writing Sample (MA thesis chapter, article manuscript, or published chapter)
- Two reference letters or the names of two referees who can be contacted if shortlisted.
- English language certificate (see language requirements at: https://www.graduateinstitute.ch/application)
For further information or informal inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Chanwoong Baek at [email protected].
** Please note that the information on the Institute’s job portal may differ from that provided in this document. In such cases, please follow the information provided here.
