Doctoral Position in Peace and Development Research at the University of Gothenburg
The University of Gothenburg, a prominent research institution in Scandinavia, is offering a fully funded doctoral student position in Peace and Development Research. This opportunity focuses on the critical and emerging issue of Host-State Responses to Transnational Repression (TNR). The position is part of an international research project and is hosted by the School of Global Studies.
This PhD program is designed for aspiring researchers interested in peace, development, migration, human rights, governance, and security. The successful candidate will join a dynamic international research environment and contribute to important scholarship. The application deadline for this prestigious opportunity is August 14, 2026.
About the University of Gothenburg
The University of Gothenburg stands as one of Sweden’s largest and most respected higher education institutions. It educates approximately 58,000 students and employs over 6,800 staff members, creating a lively atmosphere for learning and research. The university is known for tackling major societal issues through interdisciplinary knowledge and global cooperation. It attracts talented individuals from all over the world, fostering an environment of academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion.
Peace and Development Research at the University of Gothenburg
The Peace and Development Research department at the University of Gothenburg is recognized internationally as a leading interdisciplinary research center. It comprises around 50 researchers who use various theoretical and methodological approaches to study pressing global challenges. Key research areas include peace and conflict, security studies, human rights, gender and development, migration and diaspora studies, global and regional governance, political economy, resistance and social movements, international relations, and democracy versus authoritarianism. Doctoral candidates will become part of this active academic community, contributing to research with global relevance.
Understanding Transnational Repression and Host-State Responses
The doctoral project centers on Transnational Repression (TNR), a phenomenon that is gaining significant international attention. TNR involves actions taken by authoritarian governments to intimidate, silence, monitor, or harm dissidents, activists, journalists, and political opponents living outside their home countries. The research will be part of a larger international project that investigates how TNR occurs across borders, how democratic host states react to these threats, the legal frameworks in place, public policy responses, institutional awareness, and protective measures for vulnerable diaspora communities.
Potential Research Areas for the Doctoral Project
Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative research ideas related to how host states respond to transnational repression. Possible areas of focus include:
Awareness Among Government Institutions
Research could explore the level of awareness regarding TNR within various government bodies. This includes law enforcement agencies, immigration authorities, border control institutions, cybersecurity agencies, and national security organizations. Understanding institutional knowledge is key to developing effective responses.
Government Outreach to Vulnerable Diasporas
This area of research may investigate how governments engage with migrant communities to offer protection. It can also examine initiatives aimed at building trust and strategies to enhance community resilience against external pressures.
Collaboration Between Government and Civil Society
Research in this area could focus on the partnerships between public institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It may also look into advocacy networks, human rights organizations, and community support structures that play a role in addressing TNR.
Reporting Mechanisms for TNR Incidents
Potential topics include the procedures for reporting TNR incidents, systems for supporting victims, the accessibility of reporting channels, and how institutions respond to these reports. Effective reporting mechanisms are crucial for addressing the issue.
Investigation and Prosecution of Perpetrators
Candidates might explore the criminal justice responses to TNR, the legal frameworks that apply, judicial processes, and mechanisms for international cooperation in investigating and prosecuting perpetrators.
Other Relevant Topics
The university welcomes applicants to propose novel research ideas that connect transnational repression with democratic governance and host-state actions.
Comparative Nordic-Baltic Research Framework
The doctoral project will employ a comparative method, focusing on two or three countries within the Nordic-Baltic region, such as Sweden, Norway, or Estonia. Applicants should provide a justification for their chosen case countries and explain how a comparative analysis can deepen the academic understanding of transnational repression.
Structure of the Doctoral Programme
The doctoral program is a four-year, full-time course of study leading to a PhD. The first year involves structured doctoral-level coursework designed to build theoretical, methodological, and analytical skills. The subsequent three years are dedicated to research activities, including data collection, fieldwork, comparative analysis, academic writing, conference participation, and developing publications. The program concludes with the completion of an original doctoral dissertation that makes a significant contribution to Peace and Development Research.
Employment and Funding Details
The selected candidate will be employed by the University of Gothenburg as a doctoral student. This is a fully funded position, including a monthly salary according to university regulations. The position provides access to university resources, participation in international research networks, academic supervision from leading scholars, and professional development opportunities. Employment benefits are in line with those offered by Swedish higher education institutions.
Teaching and Departmental Responsibilities
Doctoral students may be assigned departmental duties, which can amount to up to 20% of their full-time employment. These duties might include teaching undergraduate courses, assisting with graduate-level instruction, supporting research activities, or handling administrative tasks. Any such duties will extend the total study period accordingly.
Required Qualifications for Applicants
Candidates must meet both general and specific admission requirements for doctoral studies.
General Eligibility
Applicants need to hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent second-cycle qualification. Alternatively, they must have at least 240 higher education credits, including 60 second-cycle credits, or equivalent qualifications from international institutions.
Specific Eligibility
A minimum of 60 credits in one of the following fields is required: International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, or Global Development Studies. Equivalent academic backgrounds from Sweden or other countries will also be considered.
Language Requirements
Proficiency in English is essential, both written and spoken. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate proficiency in languages relevant to the selected case-study countries, as strong communication skills are necessary for comparative international research.
Application Assessment Criteria
Applications will be evaluated through a highly competitive process. The assessment criteria include:
Research Proposal
A research proposal of up to 2,000 words is required. It should detail the research problem, purpose, objectives, research questions, theoretical framework, methodology, research design, data sources, timeline, and include Harvard-style references.
Academic Publications and Thesis
The quality of the applicant’s Master’s thesis, along with any academic publications, research reports, or other scholarly works, will be assessed.
Curriculum Vitae
The CV should highlight academic achievements, research experience, professional background, language competencies, and relevant technical skills. The Europass format is recommended.
Academic Performance
Grades obtained during undergraduate and postgraduate studies will be taken into account during the evaluation.
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in interviews as part of the selection process.
Selection Timeline
The recruitment process is scheduled as follows:
- Application Deadline: August 14, 2026
- Shortlisting Decisions: September 2026
- Final Decisions: October 2026
- Latest Starting Date: January 2027
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Research Proposal (maximum 2,000 words)
- Master’s Thesis
- Relevant Academic Publications or Research Outputs
- Curriculum Vitae (Europass format recommended)
- Academic Diplomas
- Academic Transcripts
- Evidence of Additional Qualifications
- Contact Details of Two References
Please note that recommendation letters will not be considered.
Living and Researching in Sweden
The University of Gothenburg offers support services for international students and researchers moving to Sweden. Sweden is known for its high quality of life, strong research infrastructure, excellent work-life balance, and an international academic community. The country provides a safe and inclusive society, with a family-friendly environment. The university is committed to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion in all aspects of academic life.
Why Apply for This Doctoral Opportunity
This doctoral position offers a unique chance to contribute to research on a globally significant and rapidly developing area of governance and human rights. By joining the University of Gothenburg, successful candidates will gain access to a leading international research environment, receive full financial support throughout their doctoral studies, and produce research with real-world policy relevance. For those interested in migration, authoritarianism, human rights, democracy, and international relations, this fully funded PhD position is an excellent opportunity to begin a successful academic career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of this doctoral position?
This doctoral position focuses on Host-State Responses to Transnational Repression (TNR), examining how democratic countries react to actions taken by authoritarian governments against dissidents abroad.
What are the eligibility requirements for this PhD program?
You need a Master’s degree or equivalent, with at least 60 credits in International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, or Global Development Studies. Strong English skills are also required.
What does the doctoral program involve?
The program is four years long, with the first year dedicated to coursework and the remaining three years focused on research, writing a dissertation, and academic activities.
When is the application deadline and when will a decision be made?
The application deadline is August 14, 2026. Shortlisting decisions are expected in September 2026, with final decisions in October 2026.
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