The University of Gothenburg, one of Scandinavia’s leading research-intensive universities, has announced an exceptional doctoral opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in peace, development, migration, human rights, governance, and security studies. The institution is inviting applications for a fully funded Doctoral Student Position in Peace and Development Research with a specialized focus on Host-State Responses to Transnational Repression (TNR).
This prestigious PhD opportunity is hosted by the School of Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg and forms part of an international research project examining transnational repression and the responses of host states across the Nordic-Baltic region.
The successful candidate will join a vibrant international research environment and contribute to cutting-edge scholarship on one of the most important emerging issues in global politics, migration, democracy, and human rights.
Deadline: 14 August 2026
Interested candidates must submit their complete application no later than 14 August 2026.
About the University of Gothenburg
The University of Gothenburg is one of Sweden’s largest and most respected higher education institutions. With approximately 58,000 students and over 6,800 employees, the university provides a dynamic environment for learning, innovation, and research.
Known for addressing major societal challenges through interdisciplinary knowledge and international collaboration, the university attracts talented researchers and students from around the world.
Its commitment to academic excellence, diversity, inclusion, and global engagement makes it an attractive destination for doctoral candidates seeking world-class research training.
About Peace and Development Research at the University of Gothenburg
Peace and Development Research at the University of Gothenburg is internationally recognized as a leading interdisciplinary research environment.
The department includes approximately 50 researchers who employ diverse theoretical and methodological approaches to investigate critical global challenges.
Research themes include:
- Peace and conflict
- Security studies
- Human rights
- Gender and development
- Migration and diaspora studies
- Global governance
- Regional governance
- Political economy
- Resistance and social movements
- International relations
- Democracy and authoritarianism
The doctoral candidate will become part of this thriving academic community and contribute to internationally relevant research.
Understanding the Research Focus: Host-State Responses to Transnational Repression
The advertised doctoral project focuses on Transnational Repression (TNR), a growing phenomenon attracting significant international attention.
Transnational repression refers to actions undertaken by authoritarian governments to intimidate, silence, punish, monitor, or undermine dissidents, activists, journalists, and political opponents living outside their home countries.
The doctoral research will be conducted within a larger international project examining:
- How transnational repression occurs across borders
- How democratic host states respond to these threats
- Legal frameworks addressing transnational repression
- Public policy responses
- Institutional awareness and preparedness
- Protection mechanisms for vulnerable diaspora communities
Possible Research Areas
Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative research proposals connected to host-state responses to transnational repression.
Potential areas of investigation include:
1. Awareness Among Government Institutions
Research may examine awareness levels among:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Immigration authorities
- Border control institutions
- Cybersecurity agencies
- National security organizations
2. Government Outreach to Vulnerable Diasporas
Candidates may investigate:
- State engagement with migrant communities
- Protection initiatives
- Trust-building measures
- Community resilience strategies
3. Collaboration Between Government and Civil Society
Research could focus on:
- Partnerships between public institutions and NGOs
- Advocacy networks
- Human rights organizations
- Community support structures
4. Reporting Mechanisms for TNR Incidents
Potential topics include:
- Incident reporting procedures
- Victim support systems
- Accessibility of reporting channels
- Institutional responsiveness
5. Investigation and Prosecution of Perpetrators
Candidates may explore:
- Criminal justice responses
- Legal frameworks
- Judicial processes
- International cooperation mechanisms
6. Other Relevant Topics
The university encourages applicants to propose innovative research ideas related to transnational repression and democratic governance.
Comparative Nordic-Baltic Research Framework
The doctoral project will adopt a comparative approach focusing on two or three Nordic-Baltic countries.
Possible case countries include:
- Sweden
- Norway
- Estonia
Applicants are encouraged to justify their case selection and explain how comparative analysis can contribute to advancing academic understanding of transnational repression.
Structure of the Doctoral Programme
The doctoral programme spans four years of full-time study and leads to the award of a Doctoral Degree (PhD).
Programme Components
Coursework
The first year includes structured doctoral-level coursework designed to strengthen theoretical, methodological, and analytical competencies.
Research Activities
Three years are primarily devoted to:
- Data collection
- Fieldwork
- Comparative analysis
- Academic writing
- Conference participation
- Publication development
Dissertation
The programme culminates in the production of an original doctoral dissertation that makes a significant scholarly contribution to Peace and Development Research.
Employment and Funding
Upon admission, the successful candidate will be employed by the University of Gothenburg as a doctoral student.
Benefits include:
- Fully funded doctoral position
- Monthly salary according to University of Gothenburg regulations
- Access to university resources and facilities
- Participation in international research networks
- Academic supervision by leading scholars
- Professional development opportunities
- Possibility of teaching experience
The university applies local doctoral salary agreements and provides employment benefits associated with Swedish higher education institutions.
Teaching and Departmental Responsibilities
Doctoral students may undertake departmental duties corresponding to up to 20% of full-time employment.
These responsibilities may include:
- Teaching undergraduate courses
- Assisting in graduate-level instruction
- Research support activities
- Administrative responsibilities
Such duties extend the total study period accordingly.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy both general and specific doctoral admission requirements.
General Eligibility
Candidates must have:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent second-cycle qualification, or
- At least 240 higher education credits including 60 second-cycle credits, or
- Equivalent qualifications obtained internationally
Specific Eligibility
Applicants should possess at least 60 credits in one of the following areas:
- International Relations
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Global Development Studies
Equivalent academic backgrounds from Sweden or abroad will also be considered.
Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Excellent written English
- Excellent spoken English
- Proficiency in relevant languages connected to selected case-study countries
Strong communication skills are essential for conducting comparative international research.
Application Assessment Criteria
Applications will undergo a highly competitive evaluation process.
Reviewers will assess:
Research Proposal
Applicants must submit a research proposal of up to 2,000 words that includes:
- Research problem
- Purpose and objectives
- Research questions
- Theoretical framework
- Methodology
- Research design
- Data sources
- Timeline
- Harvard-style references
Academic Publications and Thesis
The selection committee will evaluate:
- Master’s thesis quality
- Academic publications
- Research reports
- Other scholarly works
Curriculum Vitae
The CV should demonstrate:
- Academic achievements
- Research experience
- Professional experience
- Language competencies
- Relevant technical skills
Academic Performance
Grades obtained during undergraduate and postgraduate studies will be considered.
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in interviews.
Selection Timeline
The recruitment process follows the schedule below:
- Application Deadline: 14 August 2026
- Shortlisting Decisions: September 2026
- Final Decisions: October 2026
- Latest Starting Date: January 2027
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- 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 provides support services for international students and researchers relocating to Sweden.
Benefits of living in Sweden include:
- High quality of life
- Strong research infrastructure
- Excellent work-life balance
- International academic community
- Family-friendly environment
- Safe and inclusive society
The university actively promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion across all aspects of academic life.
Why You Should Apply
This doctoral opportunity offers a unique chance to contribute to one of the most urgent and rapidly evolving areas of global governance and human rights research.
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 contribute to scholarship with real-world policy relevance.
For aspiring researchers interested in migration, authoritarianism, human rights, democracy, and international relations, this fully funded PhD position represents an outstanding opportunity to launch a successful academic career while producing impactful research on a globally significant issue.
Learn More
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