Three Fully Funded PhD Fellowships in Political Science University of Tartu in Estonia

The Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu, Estonia, invites applications for three fully funded PhD fellowships in Political Science. These positions are open to international candidates and offer the opportunity to join a vibrant, interdisciplinary, and international research environment at Estonia's leading research university. The fellowships are part of the Social Sciences doctoral programme, with a specialization in Political Science, and are designed to support doctoral researchers' academic and personal growth through a combination of research, teaching, and professional development activities.

Successful candidates will be hired as Junior Research Fellows for a four-year period starting on 31 August 2026. In addition to conducting their PhD research, fellows will contribute to teaching, administrative, and capacity-building activities within the institute, accounting for up to 20% of their workload. The programme is delivered entirely in English, and fellows are expected to reside and work in Tartu, benefiting from a modern work environment in a historic setting.

The University of Tartu is renowned for its international outlook, high-quality teaching and research, and diverse academic community. The Johan Skytte Institute is home to a large international staff and student body, and offers extensive opportunities for collaboration, networking, and participation in international conferences, workshops, and courses, with funding support available. Fellows receive comprehensive health insurance, paid sick leave, 42 days of paid annual leave, and access to self-development and travel support schemes.

Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field and demonstrate excellent English language proficiency (level B2 or higher). The application process involves submitting a detailed research proposal (minimum 5 pages) aligned with the institute's thematic calls or supervisor research areas, as well as a CV. The selection process includes evaluation of the research proposal and an interview for shortlisted candidates. The programme supports a wide range of research topics within political science, and applicants are encouraged to consult the list of available supervisors and their research areas on the institute's website.

For further information on the application process, requirements, and research areas, please visit the programme website or contact the PhD coordinator, Ms Kristel Vits, at [email protected].