L'Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement recrute un/une
PhD International History and Politics (F/M/D)
CENTRE : GLOBAL GOVERNANCE CENTER
CONTRACT: MAXIMUM DURATION CONTRACT/ 01.09.2025-30.08.2030
ACTIVITY RATE : 100% 40 H / W
APPLICATION DEADLINE : 15.01.2026
STARTING DATE : 01.09.2026
Presentation of the Institute :
The Geneva Graduate Institute, founded in 1927, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for the study of international relations and development. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the Institute offers a stimulating, multicultural and interdisciplinary academic environment. It offers masters and doctoral programmes, and conducts cutting-edge research on major global challenges.
Introduction of the Centre :
The Department of International History and Politics and the Global Governance Centre of the Geneva Graduate Institute are offering a four-year position for the research project:
Research Project: “Should I stay or should I go?” Membership and international recognition from the League to the United Nations
Primary Investigator (PI): Dr. Thomas Gidney
Project abstract : Latin American admissions and departures from the League of Nations
This project’s primary aim is to analyse the relationship between Latin American states and the League of Nations (1919-1945). The candidate will be expected to write a PhD dissertation on the often transitory nature of Latin American membership to the League, with states often departing the organisation. The project’s aim to is analyse to what extent such actions were carried out as a cultural-political bloc, or whether it was largely for national interests. This project feeds into the larger project led by the PI on states decisions to engage and disengage with international organisations. The candidate will be expected to carry out research for the PI in a series of archives in North and South America as well as Europe.
The position is based in Geneva but will require extensive travelling from the successful candidate, especially from the second year onwards.
Key responsibilities :
- Complete a PhD thesis
Conduct extensive archival research internationally
Aid in preparation of wider research project
Attend conferences relevant to the topic
Prepare at least one academic article for publication
To be successful in this role, you should have :
Native or fluent in Spanish (essential)
Fluency in English (essential)
High level of French (preferred)
MA in history, political science, international relations, law or a relevant discipline (essential)
Prepared to travel extensively (essential)
Previous archival experience (non-essential)
What you can expect from us :
An international community
Working with students and researchers from diverse background
Pioneer in the exploration of global issues
A flexible, considering, inclusive and international working environment with a collaborative atmosphere
Dossier and admission process :
Please include the following documents (in English or French) in your application:
- CV
- Letter of motivation (please state interest of the project as well as interest in the PhD programme at the Graduate Institute)
- PhD proposal in line with the description of the project to which the PhD is attached and the specified focus outlined above (maximum 1,000 words). Please add a short alternative project of your choice if you wish to be considered for a PhD position should you not be selected for this research project.
- Grade transcript
- Degree diplomas
- Translations, if necessary
- One writing sample
- Two reference letters or at least the names of two reference writers
- English language certificate (according to the Graduate Institute’s language requirements)
The Candidate will be applying as part of the intake of PhD candidates for the year of 2026 and will be fully integrated into the department alongside other PhD Candidates. The application process for the position is through the PhD application, although your letter of motivation should be tailored to interest in the project.
We ask in your PhD proposal to mention an alternative project to the research position in the situation where you are not selected for the research project but are selected to carry out a PhD topic of your choice. Candidates who are not selected for the research project but are selected to carry out a PhD will benefit from a funding package, as well as potential opportunities to work as a teaching or research assistant.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability status, race, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation or religion.
For more information, candidates are encouraged to consult the Institute's website: graduateinstitute.ch or Centre’s website: https://www.graduateinstitute.ch/globalgovernance.
Please note that offers received by post or direct email won't be considered.
