PhD Candidate in Peace and Conflict Research (DIViNE): Institutional Reform and Political Violence - Uppsala University, Sweden

About the Position

The Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University invites applications for two PhD candidates within the DIViNE doctoral network, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions project on political violence and democracy. The advertised projects address institutional reform and public support for political violence, asking how institutional change shapes citizens' attitudes toward violent and democratic political action. The department hosts the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP), one of the world's leading data resources on organised violence, giving doctoral candidates direct access to exceptional data and expertise.

Each position is a salaried doctoral appointment under the Swedish collective agreement, embedded in an international network of partner universities and research organisations. DIViNE doctoral candidates follow joint training, participate in network workshops and secondments, and contribute to comparative research on how political violence emerges, persists and declines in democratic settings. The positions suit candidates aiming for a research career in conflict studies, political science or policy analysis.

Candidate Profile

Applicants hold a master's degree in peace and conflict research, political science or a closely related social-science discipline, with strong quantitative or mixed-methods skills and an interest in institutions, violence and democratic attitudes. Experience with survey data, conflict datasets or comparative analysis is an advantage. Applications are submitted through Uppsala University's Varbi system with a CV, transcripts, references, a statement of research interests and any written work the applicant wishes to highlight.

Highlights

• Two PhD positions in the DIViNE MSCA doctoral network
• Department of Peace and Conflict Research, home of UCDP
• Institutional reform and public support for political violence
• Salaried four-year doctoral employment
• Network workshops, training and secondments
• World-leading conflict data environment

Funding and Duration

Component	Details
Award or position	PhD fellowship / salaried position
Stipend / salary	Salaried PhD position per the Swedish collective agreement
Duration	Four years (PhD employment; two positions available)

Eligibility and Requirements

Component	Details
Applicant eligibility	Worldwide
Academic preparation	Master's in peace and conflict research, political science or a related social-science field
Language	English proficiency required

Application dates

Component	Details
Recruitment status	Open
Deadline	9 November 2026
Location	Uppsala, Sweden

About Uppsala University

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research university in Uppsala, Sweden, and the oldest university in the Nordic countries. Its research and education span science, medicine, technology, humanities and social sciences. Doctoral students are employed as paid researchers with monthly salaries across its departments.

Official details: Read the programme or project information

Application route: Follow the official application instructions

Contact

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.

Important Notes

• Application deadline: 9 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
• Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
• Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 9 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.

Open the official application page ↗

Application guides

• How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter: Emails and Preparation
• SOP, Personal Statement or Research Proposal: What Each Document Does

Official Link

https://uu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:975073