Marie Curie ITN Researcher (Central & East European Studies)

Marie Curie ITN Researcher (Central & East European Studies)

Job Purpose

The School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Glasgow seeks to appoint a Doctoral Researcher in Central & East European Studies as part of the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network INFLUENCE.

The successful candidate will undertake doctoral research leading to the award of a PhD while participating in an international programme of advanced research training, professional development, and intersectoral collaboration. The postholder will contribute to one of the doctoral research projects within the INFLUENCE network examining Russia’s influence strategies in Europe’s Eastern periphery.

The researcher will be expected to conduct independent and collaborative research, engage in international mobility and secondment activities, contribute to academic and policy-oriented outputs, present findings at workshops and conferences, and complete a doctoral thesis within the funding period.

Research Project:

The Global Energy Transition and Russia's Strategic Influence in Europe's Eastern Periphery

Project Focus

This project explores how the global energy transition and climate policies are reshaping Russia's use of energy as a geopolitical influence tool in Europe's Eastern periphery.

Project Description:

Since the 1960s, European states have pursued strategies of economic interdependence with the Soviet Union and later Russia, particularly in the energy sector. Policies associated with Ostpolitik reflected a belief that trade and economic ties could encourage peaceful relations and political liberalisation. Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 fundamentally challenged these assumptions.

Against this backdrop, the project investigates how developments in renewable energy, decarbonisation strategies, climate mitigation policies, and evolving global energy markets affect Russia's ability to use energy as a source of international influence. The research will examine how Russia adapts its strategies as an energy superpower and how the European Union can promote more sustainable and resilient forms of interdependence through environmental standards, energy transition policies, and climate-oriented governance.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Undertake high-quality doctoral research related to the approved project.

2. Conduct literature reviews and develop a robust theoretical and conceptual framework.

3. Collect, manage and analyse qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods data.

4. Contribute to the production of academic publications, working papers, policy briefs and other research outputs.

5. Present research findings at internal seminars, international conferences, workshops, and network meetings.

6. Participate fully in all MSCA Doctoral Network training activities.

7. Undertake international and intersectoral secondments required by the project.

8. Collaborate with supervisors, consortium partners, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

9. Maintain accurate and organised research records.

10. Contribute to departmental research activities and knowledge-exchange initiatives.

11. Engage in personal and professional development activities to strengthen research and transferable skills.

12. Complete a doctoral thesis within the duration of the project.

13. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Principal Investigator or Head of School.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential:

A1 A Master's degree (or equivalent qualification) in one of the following areas: Politics, Political Science, Sociology, Area Studies, International Relations, European Studies, Eurasian Studies, Or a closely related discipline

A2 Demonstrable knowledge of contemporary political, economic, and social developments in Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, or the wider post-Soviet region.

A3 Eligibility to enrol in a PhD programme at the University of Glasgow.

Desirable:

B1 Knowledge of one or more of the following areas: Russian foreign policy, Energy politics, Climate governance, European Union external relations, International political economy, Geopolitics of energy transition

B2 Training in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research methods.

B3 Knowledge of one or more of the following languages: Russian, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Albanian, Bosnian, Croatian, Macedonian, Montenegrin Serbian

Skills

Essential:

C1 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

C2 Strong academic writing skills.

C3 Ability to analyse complex political, economic, and societal developments.

C4 Ability to organise and prioritise workloads effectively.

C5 Excellent information management and digital research skills.

C6 Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative research environments.

C7 Strong presentation and dissemination skills.

C8 High levels of motivation, initiative, and intellectual curiosity.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Demonstrated research experience through undergraduate or postgraduate study.

E2 Experience conducting literature reviews and analysing complex evidence.

E3 Experience producing written research outputs to a high standard.

Desirable:

F1 Research experience relating to Russia, Eurasia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, or neighbouring regions.

F2 Experience engaging with policy, governmental, or civil society stakeholders.

F3 Experience working in international or interdisciplinary research environments.

F4 Experience conducting independent academic research.

F5 Experience using social science research methods and analytical software.

F6 Experience presenting research findings to academic or non-academic audiences.

Please ensure your cover letter details how you intend to address the core theme of the studetship you are applying for.

Terms and Conditions

Salary: Approx. £45,000 - £50,000 per annum*

*Final salary will be determined according to the Marie Curie – Doctoral Networks rates.

*Researchers will receive a mobility allowance and if applicable a family allowance.

*Approximate gross salary stated above is subject to employers NI deductions and the amount varies according to the living costs of host country.

Further information can be found here:    Doctoral Networks - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for 3 years.

Eligibility requirements:

According to the regulations for mobility within the Marie Curie programme, the researcher must not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of their host organisation (in this case, the United Kingdom) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment.

The researcher should not have obtained a PhD degree and should not have more than 4 years full-time or equivalent research experience since obtaining the degree which makes them eligible for starting the PhD degree.

All applicants are advised to visit the following website to obtain further details of the eligibility requirements for Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, see particularly from pages 81 to assess your eligibility before making an application: -

https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2021-2022/wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2021-2022_en.pdf

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community   https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan   https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

Closing Date:  15 December 2026 at 23:45pm