About the opportunity
The Democratic Institutions and Violence Network in Europe (DIViNE) is a Marie Skłodowska-Atkinson Doctoral Network consolidating comparative, historical, theoretical, and methodological approaches to study political violence in democracies. DIViNE brings together leading European research environments—including the University of Amsterdam, the University of Essex, the University of Milan, Carlos III de Madrid, and Uppsala University—alongside the Max Planck Institute. The network offers 10 MSCA PhD researcher positions (two per node) and one additional non-MSCA PhD scholarship at the Max Planck Institute. Research themes cover historical legacies of violence, democratization and conflict resolution, dynamics of support for violent movements, and democratic resilience under violent stress. Researchers will also undertake research stays with network partners.
Salary and benefits
- Fully-funded PhD researcher positions and scholarships within a prestigious European Doctoral Network
- Comprehensive cross-disciplinary and multi-method doctoral training program
- Built-in international mobility across participating European universities and network partner organizations
- Opportunities for applied policy engagement and collaboration with international peace and security partners
Who can apply?
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor's and Master's degree in a relevant discipline
- Candidates recruited on the MSCA project must satisfy MSCA mobility requirements, meaning they must not have resided or worked for more than one year in the country of the institution where they are enrolled
- Must be prepared to undertake international mobility across network institutions and partners
Required documents
- BA and Master's degree information
- Application motivation statement
- Research idea detailing question, relevant literature, arguments, and methods
- Selected work package of interest with a short paragraph on motivation and fit
- Contact information or details for two referees
When to apply
- Expression of interest deadline: 10 October 2026
- Formal PhD vacancy call publication: October to November 2026
- PhD positions start: January 2027
How to apply
- Review the research themes and participating universities on the DIViNE website
- Fill out the expression of interest form via the official online Google Form by 10 October 2026
- Submit formal applications through the webpages of the relevant DIViNE universities when formal vacancies are published between October and November 2026
Additional information
- Network partners include Action on Armed Violence, Barcelona Center for International Affairs, Clingendael, Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, International Catalan Institute for Peace, International IDEA, and the Max Planck Institute.
- Participating supervisors include scholars from the University of Milan, Carlos III de Madrid, University of Amsterdam, Uppsala University, and University of Essex.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for advanced master's graduates in political science, sociology, conflict studies, or related fields seeking a structured PhD path across top European research institutions.
- Well-suited for researchers interested in political violence, democratic resilience, and quantitative or qualitative conflict research methods.
- Provides exceptional international exposure through mandatory institutional mobility and research stays with prominent policy and security partner organizations.
What should you think carefully about?
- Candidates must strictly meet Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions mobility rules regarding past residence in the host country.
- The multi-node structure requires significant relocation and ongoing international movement throughout the doctoral tenure.
- Expressions of interest have an extremely tight deadline in October 2026, requiring rapid preparation of research ideas and referee details.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This call provides a structured pathway for early-career researchers aiming for academic excellence or policy-relevant careers in international conflict studies and democratic governance. The network's integration of multi-method research and institutional secondments supports comprehensive professional development.
Our take
Prospective doctoral candidates with a background in conflict research or democratic theory should submit their expression of interest immediately before the October deadline. Those unable to meet strict MSCA mobility rules should note the separate Max Planck Institute scholarship route.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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