Fully Funded PhD in International Relations and Political Science on Global Education Governance Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland

Fully funded PhD opportunity at the Geneva Graduate Institute in International Relations and Political Science, within the SNSF-funded project “Knowledge Production, Networks, and Power in Global Education Governance: The Politics of Expertise in UNESCO, OECD, and the World Bank.”

The doctoral researcher will join a collaborative team led by Professor Chanwoong Baek (UNESCO Co-Chair of Comparative Education Policy) and contribute to research on how international organizations produce, mobilize, and circulate expert knowledge in global education governance. The project uses a mixed-methods design, combining social network analysis and network-cued interviews, with a focus on expertise networks, organizational practices, and policy knowledge production.

This is a 4-year fully funded PhD position (September 2026–August 2030) with salary and welfare benefits aligned with the SNSF range for doctoral researchers. The role also offers mentoring, supervision, conference participation, workshops, and international research travel.

Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree in political science, international relations, comparative and international education, education policy, or a related social science field. Applicants should have strong research and analytical skills, an interest in the politics of expertise and international organizations, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Experience with mixed methods and/or social network analysis is preferred. An English language certificate is required according to the Institute’s language rules.

Deadline: May 4, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the Institute job portal as a PDF package including a motivation letter, short research proposal (max. 1,000 words), CV, transcripts and degree diplomas, writing sample, two reference letters or referee contacts, and the English language certificate.