The Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland is offering two fully funded PhD positions starting in September 2026. These roles focus on the research project “Narrative Belonging: Memory Politics and NATO Enlargement in Europe.” If you have a master’s degree in history or a related field and interest in European security, this could be your chance to join a top academic team in Geneva.
About the Research Project
This project looks at how past memories and stories shape NATO’s growth in Europe after the Cold War. It goes beyond just military plans to explore how countries remember events like occupations, freedom fights, and shifts to democracy. Key areas include the 1999 NATO entry of Visegrád nations like Poland and Hungary, the 2004 expansion with the Vilnius group, and the recent joins by Finland and Sweden.
The work highlights Poland and the Baltic states but may cover other cases too. Researchers will study national stories, NATO events, anniversaries, and rituals that build a sense of belonging. This fits into the Department of International History and Politics and the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding.
Research Methods and Setting
You will work in an international team at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Methods include digging into NATO and country archives, analyzing news and speeches, talking to diplomats through oral histories, and building a digital archive with new tools. This mix helps create fresh insights on history and security.
The four-year positions run from 2026 to 2030 with funding at Swiss National Science Foundation levels. You will build your own PhD thesis while helping the main project.
What Doctoral Researchers Will Do
Hired researchers must join the full PhD program, including classes. Tasks include archive visits, media reviews, interviews, digital archive work, and attending workshops or conferences. Your thesis must link to themes like memory politics or NATO growth.
Benefits of These Positions
You get full pay matching Swiss standards for PhD students. The contract lasts four years with support for travel to archives and events. Geneva offers a lively, multicultural spot for study, plus guidance from experts like Professor Jussi Hanhimäki. Access world-class networks and present at global meetings.
Who Can Apply
You need a master’s in history, memory studies, or security fields. Show strong skills in research and analysis, plus good English. Extra languages like Polish or Baltic ones help. Be ready for solo and team work.
Application Documents Needed
Send these as PDFs:
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal up to 1,000 words
- CV
- Transcripts and degrees
- Writing sample, like a thesis chapter
- Two referee names
- English test if needed
Deadline and Next Steps
Apply by May 29, 2026, at 23:59 CET. Interviews happen in early June 2026. Use the official portal. For details, check the job ad or email Professor Jussi Hanhimäki at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the research project about?
The project explores how memories and stories shape NATO’s expansion in Europe after the Cold War, focusing on countries like Poland, the Baltic states, Finland, and Sweden.
What qualifications do I need to apply?
You need a master’s degree in history, memory studies, or security fields, strong research skills, good English, and preferably extra languages like Polish or Baltic ones.
What documents are required for the application?
Submit a motivation letter, research proposal up to 1,000 words, CV, transcripts, writing sample, two referee names, and English test if needed, all as PDFs.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is May 29, 2026, at 23:59 CET, with interviews in early June 2026 via the official portal.
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