ERC LEAD Project

University of Bristol is advertising two fully funded PhD positions in Political and Social Philosophy within the ERC-funded LEAD Project, which examines the political philosophy of migration, borders, and displacement. The project focuses on refugee-led approaches to displacement justice and sits in the Department of Philosophy at Bristol.

Successful applicants will join a research community in Bristol and work under the supervision of Dr Rebecca Buxton. The project welcomes applicants interested in political philosophy, social epistemology, or migration studies, and it particularly encourages candidates with experience of forced migration.

The studentships are open to UK and overseas students (including EU). Funding covers full tuition fees and a full maintenance stipend of £21,805 per year (rising with UKRI rates). International students receive a tuition fee discount to the Home rate so the bursary can cover tuition during the studentship.

Eligibility: applicants should have a background in philosophy or political theory, or another relevant discipline. You must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent), or be working towards one with final submission no later than 15 September 2026.

Application deadline: 3 April 2026. Applicants must submit both an email application for the scholarship materials and a formal PhD application through the University of Bristol portal. Required documents include a 1000-word research proposal, CV (max 2 pages), and a statement of suitability (max 2 pages).