PhD Positions

Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number: 101312705

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The MSCA Doctoral Network INFLUENCE “Russian Influences in the European Periphery: Interdependencies, Narratives, Power” invites applications for ten doctoral researcher positions at Vilnius University (Lithuania), the University of Glasgow (UK), the University of Helsinki (Finland), the University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and the University of Warsaw (Poland). Projects examine economic interdependencies, political narratives, digital platforms, governance and security, with a particular focus on the Baltic States and the Western Balkans.

Funded through the EU’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the network combines doctoral research with international supervision, advanced research training, and academic and non-academic secondments.

The planned day of the doctoral studies is 1 October, 2027.

Research Positions

Applicants should develop a research proposal within the scope of the selected project. The precise research questions, case selection and methods will be refined with the supervisory team.

RP1 – The Global Energy Transition and Russia’s Strategic Influence in Europe’s Eastern Periphery

Host: University of Glasgow (United Kingdom)

The project would explore 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. Since the 1960s, the EU has pursued a strategy of building interdependencies with the Soviet Union and later, Russia through trade, particularly in the energy sector. Despite Russia’s transition in the early post-Soviet period, its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have undermined this strategy, challenging the assumption that trade and interdependence could mitigate aggression. Against this backdrop, the project will analyse how global developments in the energy sector, particularly the shift towards renewables and climate mitigation policies, shape and/or constrain Russia’s use of energy as a tool for international influence.

Application details and procedures can be found here: https://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/marie-curie-itn-researcher-central-and-east-european-studies-6059850

RP2 – Economic Interdependencies and Russian Influence: A Comparative Analysis of Power Dynamics

Host: Vilnius University (Lithuania)

This project investigates the role of economic interdependencies as a tool of Russian influence in Europe’s Eastern periphery. The research has two primary objectives: first, to map the various types of interdependencies, including trade, investment, energy, migration, and services, between Russia and these selected countries, and to track their evolution since the early 2000s; second, to assess how these shifting interdependencies impact power relations and the potential for Russian influence. The project is based on the premise that patterns of interdependence significantly shape power dynamics, providing leverage for stronger actors to exert influence over weaker ones. Through a comparative analysis of interdependencies in EU and NATO member states versus non-member states, this research aims to fill a critical gap in understanding Russia’s ability to manipulate these relationships to advance its geopolitical objectives.

Application details and procedures can be found here: https://www.tspmi.vu.lt/en/projektas/doctoral-network-russian-influences-in-the-european-periphery-interdependencies-narratives-power-influence/

RP3 – Exploiting Digital Platforms: Russia’s Influence Strategies in Europe’s Eastern Periphery

Host: University of Glasgow (United Kingdom)

This project investigates how Russia exploits digital platforms to enhance its influence in Europe’s eastern periphery, focusing on global digital platforms. The project examines the mechanisms through which these platforms are used to disseminate strategic narratives, disinformation, and foster societal divisions in the analysed states. The research will analyse how Russia leverages platform algorithms, advertising systems, and online communities to target specific audiences in culturally or politically distinct contexts. Particular attention will be given to how these strategies adapt to local contexts to maximise their effectiveness. The research will also explore the role of digital platforms in facilitating Russia’s broader foreign policy goals, from undermining trust in Western institutions to reinforcing dependency on Russian narratives.

Application details and procedures can be found here: https://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/marie-curie-itn-researcher-central-and-east-european-studies-6059889

RP4 – Framing the West: Russian Anti-Western Narratives in the Eastern Periphery

Host: Vilnius University (Lithuania)

The project examines Russian anti-Western narratives in Europe's Eastern periphery since 2014, focusing on their construction, internal logic, and how they challenge established understandings of Europe, Russia, and the international order. The primary method is discourse analysis (textual and cultural to capture local adaptation) used to trace how narratives reinforce one another into cohesive, persuasive messages. A secondary network-analysis component maps how these narratives are disseminated through state-controlled media, social media platforms, diplomatic channels, and proxy actors, to identify which dissemination pathways matter most. Selected case studies would anchor a comparative account of why the same narratives take hold more strongly in some states than others.

Application details and procedures can be found here: https://www.tspmi.vu.lt/en/projektas/doctoral-network-russian-influences-in-the-european-periphery-interdependencies-narratives-power-influence/

RP5 – The “Russophobia”: Discursive Manipulation as a Foreign Policy Tool

Host: University of Warsaw (Poland)

Description: This project examines the construction and utilisation of Russophobia as a tool of Russian foreign policy, focusing on its role in shaping perceptions and influencing policy discourse in the Europe’s Eastern periphery. Commonly attributed to certain nations, particularly those on the eastern periphery, the label of “Russophobe” implies a visible and negative bias against Russia’s intentions and actions. This stigma creates challenges for these nations in advancing their perspectives on effective policies towards Russia. The project seeks to analyse how the “Russophobe” label is constructed within the official foreign policy discourse of both Russia and the targeted nations, exploring whether intersubjective criteria exist amongst European countries for designating “Russophobia.”

Application details and procedures can be found here: https://konkursydlanauczycieli.uw.edu.pl/api/document/4240/datafile/pdf

RP6 – Exploiting Migration to Influence and Destabilise Societies in Europe’s Eastern Periphery

Host: University of Helsinki (Finland)

Description: This project examines how Russia exploits societal divisions over migration as part of its broader strategy to destabilise and influence European societies. Russian state-controlled media and social media platforms have been instrumental in disseminating conflicting narratives, accusing the West of both Western-centric colonialism and overly liberal migration policies. This project will analyse how these narratives are constructed, disseminated, and adjusted to exploit specific societal vulnerabilities to fuel polarisation, undermine social cohesion, and erode trust in democratic institutions. By combining discourse analysis and media monitoring with case studies of significant migration-related events, the research will assess how migration narratives are tailored to specific European contexts and how they contribute to political fragmentation and the rise of extremist ideologies.

Application details and procedures can be found here: https://jobs.helsinki.fi/job-invite/5264/

RP7 – Authoritarian Diffusion: Russia and the Promotion of Illiberal Governance

Host: University of Helsinki (Finland)

Description: This project investigates the rise of autocratisation and bad governance in Europe by examining how illiberal leaders adopt and adapt governance models inspired by Russian practices. Designed to curtail political opposition and dissent while promoting corruption and rent-seeking, these models are increasingly emulated across diverse political contexts to consolidate processes of autocratisation. Illiberal strategies include weakening judicial independence, politicising courts, restricting media freedom, and reshaping state institutions through the appointment of loyalists and cronies to key decision-making positions. Beyond serving as a model of autocratisation and bad governance, Russia actively supports governments, political parties, and other European domestic actors seeking to undermine liberal democratic norms and institutions. The project will analyse the transnational dynamics of illiberal learning, focusing on the interaction between domestic and international actors in the diffusion of authoritarian strategies and governance practices across Russia and Europe.

Application details and procedures can be found here: https://jobs.helsinki.fi/job-invite/5250

RP8 – Understanding Complexities and Political Impact of Russian Subversive Activities

Host: University of Warsaw (Poland)

The project focuses on analysing the complexities of Russian subversive activities, broadly encompassing what is often termed “hybrid warfare”. Although the term “hybrid warfare” can be imprecise, the project captures a spectrum of destabilising activities ranging from traditional sabotage to advanced, indirect methods of influence. It begins with an examination of conventional acts of disruption, such as arson or attacks on critical infrastructure, and extends to the instrumentalisation of migration, as has been seen on the Belarus border, and the deployment of disinformation campaigns designed to sow discord and undermine institutions. The research will focus on assessing the susceptibility of neighbouring states to such activities and their resilience in responding to them.

Application details and procedures can be found here: https://konkursydlanauczycieli.uw.edu.pl/api/document/4239/datafile/pdf

RP9 – Electoral Intervention as Foreign Policy: The Russian Toolkit and its Impact

Host: University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

The research will analyse several electoral contests in-depth to uncover the strategies and tactics employed. It will examine the political, cultural, military, and covert tools used to shape programmes, influence electoral campaigns, and sway voter decisions. Particular attention will be given to Russia’s efforts to polarise electorates in divided societies, examining how these interventions exploit societal fractures to advance geopolitical objectives. The project will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative case studies of specific electoral contests with quantitative analysis of voter behaviour and campaign dynamics, complemented by discourse analysis of political messaging and strategic narratives promoted by Russian actors.

Application details and procedures can be found here: https://fpn.unsa.ba/b/msca-doctoral-network-influence-phd-position-1/

RP10 – Russian Influence in Multilateral Frameworks and Exploiting International Institutions

Host: University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

This project examines how Russia engages with multilateral organisations to exert influence and shape international dynamics while undermining foundational values. The research will analyse Russia’s use of international memberships and multilateral frameworks to project influence. The research will examine how Russia navigates and seeks to influence institutions such as the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Council of Europe to consolidate its relationships, amplify its voice, and pursue its geopolitical goals. The project will also explore the adaptive responses of these institutions to such pressures, contrasting cases in which values are undermined with instances in which institutions have successfully countered or mitigated foreign influence.

Application details and procedures can be found here: https://fpn.unsa.ba/b/msca-doctoral-network-influence-phd-position-2

Where to apply

E-mail: vilius.mackinis@tspmi.vu.lt
Website: https://influence.tspmi.vu.lt/

Requirements

• Research Field: Political sciences
• Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Specific Requirements

Application Process

Please consult the application links provided by the hosting institution for full details, specific requirements, and submission procedures for each position.

In general, applicants should be prepared to submit the following documents (note that requirements may vary by institution):

• Prospective research proposal outlining your interest in the specific project
• Curriculum Vitae
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts

Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent

Additional Information

Benefits

• 36‑month full-time EU MSCA contract and doctoral position
• An attractive remuneration in accordance with the MSCA regulations. The individual position announcement specifies the gross remuneration or salary range; amounts depend on the country correction coefficient and national taxation/social security rules.
• Competitive monthly living, mobility, and family allowances
• Joint international supervision
• Advanced research, methods and transferable skills training
• Research visits and intersectoral secondments
• Professional development opportunities and career guidance

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent which formally entitles them to start a doctorate by the application deadline.
• Applicants cannot have been awarded a doctoral degree.
• Applicants can be of any nationality; however, they must comply with the mobility rule: must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
• All positions require excellent English language skills, some projects may particularly benefit from knowledge of Russian and/or languages spoken in the Baltic States and the Western Balkans. Some positions may also require proficiency in the language(s) of instruction and assessment at the recruiting university – see the individual position announcement.

Selection process

INFLUENCE is committed to transparent, merit-based and inclusive recruitment in line with:

• the European Charter for Researchers;
• the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Recruitment will take place through an open, international, and competitive selection procedure conducted in two stages.

• In the first stage, applications will be evaluated on the basis of academic excellence, research potential, methodological and disciplinary preparedness, motivation, relevant research experience, the quality and feasibility of the proposed research, and its fit with the project and available supervisory expertise.
• Candidates who demonstrate the strongest overall profiles will be shortlisted and invited to an interview in the second stage. The interview will provide an opportunity to further assess candidates’ research aptitude, motivation, understanding of the proposed research, ability to discuss and develop their ideas, and overall suitability for the doctoral project.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• The network welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive and equitable research environment.
• Further Information
• For informal enquiries regarding the overall recruitment process, interested applicants may contact the Chair of the Recruitment Board, Professor Luca Anceschi, at: luca.anceschi@glasgow.ac.uk
• For specific information regarding the application and selection procedures, contact the person indicated in the specific call.

Additional comments

Key Dates

• Call opens: 15 October 2026
• Application deadline: 15 December 2026
• Shortlist of Candidates prepared: February 2027
• Interviews with Shortlisted Candidates (conducted online): February – March 2027
• Results communicated: by 30 April 2027
• Employment commences: 1 October 2027

Website for additional job details: https://influence.tspmi.vu.lt/

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 2
  Company/Institute: Vilnius University
  Country: Lithuania
  City: Vilnius
• Number of offers available: 2
  Company/Institute: University of Glasgow
  Country: United Kingdom
  City: Glasgow
• Number of offers available: 2
  Company/Institute: University of Warsaw
  Country: Poland
  City: Warsaw
• Number of offers available: 2
  Company/Institute: University of Helsinki
  Country: Finland
  City: Helsinki
• Number of offers available: 2
  Company/Institute: University of Sarajevo
  Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
  City: Sarajevo

Contact

City: Vilnius
Website: http://www.tspmi.vu.lt
Street: Vokiečių str. 10, 01130 Vilnius, Lithuania
Postal Code: 01211