The University of Gothenburg, one of Scandinavia’s leading research-intensive universities, has announced an exceptional doctoral opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in peace, development, migration, human rights, governance, and security studies. The institution is inviting applications for a fully funded Doctoral Student Position in Peace and Development Research with a specialized focus on Host-State Responses to Transnational Repression (TNR).

This prestigious PhD opportunity is hosted by the School of Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg and forms part of an international research project examining transnational repression and the responses of host states across the Nordic-Baltic region.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant international research environment and contribute to cutting-edge scholarship on one of the most important emerging issues in global politics, migration, democracy, and human rights.

Deadline: 14 August 2026

Interested candidates must submit their complete application no later than 14 August 2026.

About the University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg is one of Sweden’s largest and most respected higher education institutions. With approximately 58,000 students and over 6,800 employees, the university provides a dynamic environment for learning, innovation, and research.

Known for addressing major societal challenges through interdisciplinary knowledge and international collaboration, the university attracts talented researchers and students from around the world.

Its commitment to academic excellence, diversity, inclusion, and global engagement makes it an attractive destination for doctoral candidates seeking world-class research training.

About Peace and Development Research at the University of Gothenburg

Peace and Development Research at the University of Gothenburg is internationally recognized as a leading interdisciplinary research environment.

The department includes approximately 50 researchers who employ diverse theoretical and methodological approaches to investigate critical global challenges.

Research themes include:

Peace and conflict
Security studies
Human rights
Gender and development
Migration and diaspora studies
Global governance
Regional governance
Political economy
Resistance and social movements
International relations
Democracy and authoritarianism

The doctoral candidate will become part of this thriving academic community and contribute to internationally relevant research.

Understanding the Research Focus: Host-State Responses to Transnational Repression

The advertised doctoral project focuses on Transnational Repression (TNR), a growing phenomenon attracting significant international attention.

Transnational repression refers to actions undertaken by authoritarian governments to intimidate, silence, punish, monitor, or undermine dissidents, activists, journalists, and political opponents living outside their home countries.

The doctoral research will be conducted within a larger international project examining:

How transnational repression occurs across borders
How democratic host states respond to these threats
Legal frameworks addressing transnational repression
Public policy responses
Institutional awareness and preparedness
Protection mechanisms for vulnerable diaspora communities

Possible Research Areas

Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative research proposals connected to host-state responses to transnational repression.

Potential areas of investigation include:

1. Awareness Among Government Institutions

Research may examine awareness levels among:

Law enforcement agencies
Immigration authorities
Border control institutions
Cybersecurity agencies
National security organizations

2. Government Outreach to Vulnerable Diasporas

Candidates may investigate:

State engagement with migrant communities
Protection initiatives
Trust-building measures
Community resilience strategies

3. Collaboration Between Government and Civil Society

Research could focus on:

Partnerships between public institutions and NGOs
Advocacy networks
Human rights organizations
Community support structures

4. Reporting Mechanisms for TNR Incidents

Potential topics include:

Incident reporting procedures
Victim support systems
Accessibility of reporting channels
Institutional responsiveness

5. Investigation and Prosecution of Perpetrators

Candidates may explore:

Criminal justice responses
Legal frameworks
Judicial processes
International cooperation mechanisms

6. Other Relevant Topics

The university encourages applicants to propose innovative research ideas related to transnational repression and democratic governance.

Comparative Nordic-Baltic Research Framework

The doctoral project will adopt a comparative approach focusing on two or three Nordic-Baltic countries.

Possible case countries include:

Sweden
Norway
Estonia

Applicants are encouraged to justify their case selection and explain how comparative analysis can contribute to advancing academic understanding of transnational repression.

Structure of the Doctoral Programme

The doctoral programme spans four years of full-time study and leads to the award of a Doctoral Degree (PhD).

Programme Components

Coursework

The first year includes structured doctoral-level coursework designed to strengthen theoretical, methodological, and analytical competencies.

Research Activities

Three years are primarily devoted to:

Data collection
Fieldwork
Comparative analysis
Academic writing
Conference participation
Publication development

Dissertation

The programme culminates in the production of an original doctoral dissertation that makes a significant scholarly contribution to Peace and Development Research.

Employment and Funding

Upon admission, the successful candidate will be employed by the University of Gothenburg as a doctoral student.

Benefits include:

Fully funded doctoral position
Monthly salary according to University of Gothenburg regulations
Access to university resources and facilities
Participation in international research networks
Academic supervision by leading scholars
Professional development opportunities
Possibility of teaching experience

The university applies local doctoral salary agreements and provides employment benefits associated with Swedish higher education institutions.

Teaching and Departmental Responsibilities

Doctoral students may undertake departmental duties corresponding to up to 20% of full-time employment.

These responsibilities may include:

Teaching undergraduate courses
Assisting in graduate-level instruction
Research support activities
Administrative responsibilities

Such duties extend the total study period accordingly.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must satisfy both general and specific doctoral admission requirements.

General Eligibility

Candidates must have:

A Master’s degree or equivalent second-cycle qualification, or
At least 240 higher education credits including 60 second-cycle credits, or
Equivalent qualifications obtained internationally

Specific Eligibility

Applicants should possess at least 60 credits in one of the following areas:

International Relations
Peace and Conflict Studies
Global Development Studies

Equivalent academic backgrounds from Sweden or abroad will also be considered.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

Excellent written English
Excellent spoken English
Proficiency in relevant languages connected to selected case-study countries

Strong communication skills are essential for conducting comparative international research.

Application Assessment Criteria

Applications will undergo a highly competitive evaluation process.

Reviewers will assess:

Research Proposal

Applicants must submit a research proposal of up to 2,000 words that includes:

Research problem
Purpose and objectives
Research questions
Theoretical framework
Methodology
Research design
Data sources
Timeline
Harvard-style references

Academic Publications and Thesis

The selection committee will evaluate:

Master’s thesis quality
Academic publications
Research reports
Other scholarly works

Curriculum Vitae

The CV should demonstrate:

Academic achievements
Research experience
Professional experience
Language competencies
Relevant technical skills

Academic Performance

Grades obtained during undergraduate and postgraduate studies will be considered.

Interviews

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in interviews.

Selection Timeline

The recruitment process follows the schedule below:

Application Deadline: 14 August 2026
Shortlisting Decisions: September 2026
Final Decisions: October 2026
Latest Starting Date: January 2027

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

Research Proposal (maximum 2,000 words)
Master’s Thesis
Relevant Academic Publications or Research Outputs
Curriculum Vitae (Europass format recommended)
Academic Diplomas
Academic Transcripts
Evidence of Additional Qualifications
Contact Details of Two References

Please note that recommendation letters will not be considered.

Living and Researching in Sweden

The University of Gothenburg provides support services for international students and researchers relocating to Sweden.

Benefits of living in Sweden include:

High quality of life
Strong research infrastructure
Excellent work-life balance
International academic community
Family-friendly environment
Safe and inclusive society

The university actively promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion across all aspects of academic life.

Why You Should Apply

This doctoral opportunity offers a unique chance to contribute to one of the most urgent and rapidly evolving areas of global governance and human rights research.

By joining the University of Gothenburg, successful candidates will gain access to a leading international research environment, receive full financial support throughout their doctoral studies, and contribute to scholarship with real-world policy relevance.

For aspiring researchers interested in migration, authoritarianism, human rights, democracy, and international relations, this fully funded PhD position represents an outstanding opportunity to launch a successful academic career while producing impactful research on a globally significant issue.

Apply here

Learn More

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University of Gothenburg Doctoral Position in Peace and Development Research 2026: Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Sweden on Host-State Responses to Transnational Repression @State Responses to Transnational Repression