Bewerbungsfrist: 30.06.2025

Franklin University Switzerland invites applications for a PhD position in the SNSF research project DIVIDE of Professor Oliver Strijbis.

The starting date for the position is September 1, 2025 or upon agreement. Funding is guaranteed for four years total, conditional on the approval of the PhD proposal by the end of the first year. Gross annual salary will be CHF 47,000 to 50,000 (as per SNF Funding conditions).

The PhD student will participate in the Political Science doctoral program, which offers advanced methodological and substantive training as well as professional development. The PhD candidate will contribute to the project DIVIDE, which investigates the effects of secession referenda on interethnic relations, and will develop and conduct their own PhD project in the broad areas of the project. The PhD candidate will be able to dedicate at least 80% of the working time for research activities.

The position requires:

• An MA degree in political science or a related discipline (Evidence that graduation can be expected before September 1 is also sufficient)

• Excellent Master's thesis and/or final grades

• Strong interest in political behavior and/or nationalism

• Very good knowledge of quantitative methods

• Motivation to pursue an academic career

• Ability to work both independently and in a team

• Good working knowledge of English

• A commitment to learn basic Italian (at least A1) within two years

• Command of additional languages relevant to the project is welcome.

Further inquiries can be directed to Prof. Oliver Strijbis (ostrijbis@fus.edu). Information about the research activities of the project leader is available on Oliver Strijbis' website ( https://www.fus.edu/academics/faculty/oliver-strijbis) .

Please send your application electronically as one PDF-file comprising your letter of interest, CV, transcripts, a writing sample (e.g. Master thesis), and the contact details of two people willing to serve as a reference to this email address: DIVIDEPhD@fus.edu

The deadline for applications is June 30, 2025.