PhD Candidate in Economy and Labour Markets at the Urban and Rural Interface (EuroMedMig PhD Network) University of Sousse in Italy

EuroMedMig PhD Network offers one fully funded PhD position hosted by the University of Sousse in Tunisia as part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network under Horizon Europe. The position is embedded in the broader Euro-Mediterranean Research Network on Migrations and is designed for an early-stage researcher interested in migration, refugees, economy, labour markets, and the urban-rural interface in the Mediterranean region.

The advertised research project, PhD Candidate 12: Economy and Labour Markets at the Urban and Rural Interface, examines how migration shapes economic life across urban and rural settings. The topic includes labour market restructuring, the effects of migration on agricultural zones, informal work, vulnerability among migrants with limited social protection, and the wider economic implications of migrant participation in different sectors. The call is particularly suited to candidates with interests in social sciences, migration studies, labour dynamics, governance, and Mediterranean studies.

The host institution is the University of Sousse, and the named supervisor is Hassen Boubakri. Co-supervision with other consortium partners is encouraged, and the successful candidate may benefit from shared expertise, international secondments of up to 12 months, and interdisciplinary training through the EuroMedMig network. The project is part of a wider doctoral network involving multiple partner universities and associate partners across the Mediterranean.

The appointment is a full-time university employee contract with full social security coverage. The funding is provided by the European Commission through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network, and remuneration follows MSCA rules, including country-dependent mobility and family allowances where applicable. The estimated project start window is between January 2027 and February 2029, with the PhD candidates incorporated into their programmes for three years.

Eligibility is limited to applicants who hold, or will hold before the PhD start, an accredited Master’s degree in Social Sciences that grants access to a doctoral programme at the host institution. Candidates must not already have a doctoral degree. Applicants of any nationality may apply if they satisfy the MSCA mobility rule, and proof of English at B2 level is required unless an exemption applies.

Applications must be submitted via Interfolio. Required materials include ID/passport, candidacy form, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree documents, final grade transcripts, CV, research proposal, motivation letter, two recommendation letters, and proof of English B2 or an exemption request. The deadline is 25 October 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Madrid).