The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is recruiting a
Research assistants/PhD studentships (F/M/D)
CENTRE: Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding
CONTRACT: maximum duration contract – 01.09.2026 -31.08.2030
ACTIVITY RATE: 100% 40 h / w
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 29.05.2026 (23:59 CET)
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.
Overview:
The Department of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute and the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP) invites applications for two fully funded doctoral researcher positions within the project
“Narrative Belonging: Memory Politics and NATO Enlargement in Europe.”
The project examines how memories of the past have shaped NATO enlargement and Europe’s evolving security order since the end of the Cold War. Moving beyond conventional military and strategic explanations, it places memory politics and historical narratives at the centre of how enlargement has been understood and enacted.
The project focuses on key episodes of NATO enlargement, in particular the 1999 accession of the Visegrád countries and the 2004 enlargement involving the Vilnius group, as well as more recent accessions of Finland and Sweden. It explores how national narratives—such as occupation, neutrality, liberation, and political transition—interact with NATO’s symbolic practices, including ceremonies, anniversaries, and public rituals. While particular emphasis is placed on Poland and the Baltic states, other relevant country cases within these enlargement rounds may also be considered.
The project employs qualitative methods, including archival research (NATO and national archives), media analysis, and oral history interviews with policymakers and diplomats. It will also develop an open digital archive of key materials.
The doctoral researchers will be part of a collaborative research team and contribute to the project’s empirical research while developing their own doctoral dissertations aligned with the broader themes of the project.
The project is embedded in an international research environment and will foster collaboration with leading academic institutions.
The project is housed at the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP), providing doctoral researchers with an additional institutional affiliation and access to its interdisciplinary research community.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates with relevant regional expertise and language skills (e.g. Polish or Baltic languages).
Key responsibilities:
The doctoral researchers are expected to integrate fully into the academic life of the IHP department and successfully complete the department’s doctoral coursework requirements. They will also be expected to actively participate in the intellectual life and activities of the CCDP.
They will contribute to the project’s research activities, including archival research, data collection, media analysis, and, where appropriate, interviews, while developing independent doctoral dissertations connected to the project. They will also contribute to the development of the project’s digital archive and assist with project-related academic and organizational activities.
To be successful in this role, you should have:
- A Master’s degree in history or a related discipline
- Strong interest in contemporary European history, memory studies or security studies
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an international research team
- Excellent command of English
- Relevant language skills are highly desirable
What you can expect from us:
- Working with a large international community of users from diverse backgrounds.
- Interesting job with varied tasks.
- Good atmosphere in a human-sized team. At the heart of International Geneva.
- Salary and other welfare benefits in line with SNSF standards for doctoral researchers
- A diverse, enriching, and collaborative academic environment
- Close mentoring and supervision within the research team
- Opportunities to participate in international conferences and workshops
- Opportunities for research travel and archival work
How to apply
Interested applicants should submit a complete application in PDF format by 29 May 2026. The application package should include:
- Letter of motivation
- Short research proposal (max. 1000 words) related to the project
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Grade transcripts and degree diplomas (translations if necessary)
- Writing sample (e.g. MA thesis chapter or article manuscript)
- The names of two referees
- English language certificate (not required for applicants who have obtained their degree from an English-language institution)
Any offers made by the Geneva Graduate Institute are conditional to the activation of this SNSF grant. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will take place during the second week of June.
The CCDP is committed to a safe and inclusive working environment. 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, please contact the Principal Investigator (jussi.hanhimaki@graduateinstitute.ch).
