Fully Funded PhD Positions in Switzerland 2026 at the Geneva Graduate Institute | Research on NATO Enlargement and Memory Politics

The Geneva Graduate Institute has announced two fully funded PhD researcher positions within the groundbreaking research project, “Narrative Belonging: Memory Politics and NATO Enlargement in Europe.” Hosted by the Department of International History and Politics and the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP), this opportunity offers doctoral researchers the chance to conduct high-level academic research in Switzerland while contributing to a major international project on European security and historical narratives.

The positions are scheduled to run from September 2026 to August 2030 and are funded according to SNSF doctoral researcher standards. Scholars interested in European history, memory studies, Cold War politics, and NATO enlargement are encouraged to apply before the deadline on 29 May 2026 (23:59 CET).

About the Research Project

The project explores how historical memory and political narratives have shaped NATO enlargement and Europe’s evolving security architecture since the end of the Cold War. Rather than focusing only on military or strategic perspectives, the research investigates how national memories, political identities, and symbolic practices influenced NATO accession processes.

Key research areas include:

• The 1999 NATO accession of the Visegrád countries
• The 2004 enlargement involving the Vilnius group
• The recent accession of Finland and Sweden
• National narratives related to occupation, liberation, neutrality, and democratic transition
• NATO ceremonies, anniversaries, and symbolic political rituals

The project places particular emphasis on Poland and the Baltic states, although other enlargement case studies may also be examined.

Research Methods and Academic Environment

Selected doctoral researchers will join an international and interdisciplinary academic environment at the Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland. The project uses several qualitative research methods, including:

• Archival research using NATO and national archives
• Media and discourse analysis
• Oral history interviews with diplomats and policymakers
• Digital humanities research through the creation of an open digital archive

Researchers will contribute to collaborative project activities while simultaneously developing independent doctoral dissertations aligned with the project’s broader themes.

The project is hosted by the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP), providing additional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and academic networking.

Responsibilities of the Doctoral Researchers

Successful applicants will:

• Participate fully in the doctoral programme and coursework requirements
• Conduct archival and historical research
• Assist with media analysis and interview-based research
• Contribute to the project’s digital archive development
• Engage in project workshops, conferences, and academic activities
• Develop their own doctoral dissertation connected to the project themes

Benefits of the Fully Funded PhD Positions

Selected candidates will receive:

• Full funding and salary aligned with SNSF doctoral standards
• Four-year doctoral contract from 2026–2030
• Access to an internationally recognized academic institution
• Mentorship and supervision from experienced scholars
• Opportunities for international conferences and workshops
• Research travel and archival research support
• A multicultural and collaborative research environment in Geneva, Switzerland

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Hold a Master’s degree in History or a related field
• Demonstrate strong interest in European history, memory studies, or security studies
• Possess excellent research and analytical skills
• Have strong English language proficiency
• Be capable of independent and collaborative research work

Additional language skills, especially Polish or Baltic languages, are considered an advantage.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:

• Letter of motivation
• Research proposal (maximum 1000 words)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Writing sample (MA thesis chapter or article manuscript)
• Names of two referees
• English language certificate (if applicable)

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is 29 May 2026 (23:59 CET).

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed during the second week of June 2026.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their application through the official application portal of the Geneva Graduate Institute.

APPLY HERE. 

For more information about this apportunity, click here. 

For additional information, applicants may contact the Principal Investigator, Professor Jussi Hanhimaki, via email at jussi.hanhimaki@graduateinstitute.ch

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