Marie Curie ITN Researcher (Central & East European Studies)University

*Final salary will be determined according to the Marie Curie– Doctoral Networks rates.

*Researchers will receive a mobility allowance and if applicable a family allowance.

The School of Social & Political Sciences at the University of Glasgow seeks to appoint a Marie Curie ITN Researcher in Central & East European Studies as part of the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network INFLUENCE.

The successful candidate will undertake doctoral research leading to the award of a PhD while participating in an international programme of advanced research training, professional development, and intersectoral collaboration. The postholder will contribute to one of the doctoral research projects within the INFLUENCE network examining Russia’s influence strategies in Europe’s Eastern periphery.

The researcher will be expected to conduct independent and collaborative research, engage in international mobility and secondment activities, contribute to academic and policy-oriented outputs, present findings at workshops and conferences, and complete a doctoral thesis within the funding period.

Research Project:

The Global Energy Transition and Russia's Strategic Influence in Europe's Eastern Periphery

Project Focus:

This project explores how the global energy transition and climate policies are reshaping Russia's use of energy as a geopolitical influence tool in Europe's Eastern periphery.

Project Description:

Since the 1960s, European states have pursued strategies of economic interdependence with the Soviet Union and later Russia, particularly in the energy sector. Policies associated with Ostpolitik reflected a belief that trade and economic ties could encourage peaceful relations and political liberalisation. Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 fundamentally challenged these assumptions.

Against this backdrop, the project investigates how developments in renewable energy, decarbonisation strategies, climate mitigation policies, and evolving global energy markets affect Russia's ability to use energy as a source of international influence. The research will examine how Russia adapts its strategies as an energy superpower and how the European Union can promote more sustainable and resilient forms of interdependence through environmental standards, energy transition policies, and climate-oriented governance.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Luca Anceschi at [email protected]

Mobility Eligibility Criteria

The researcher must not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of their host organisation (in this case, the United Kingdom) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment

All applicants are advised to visit the following website to obtain further details of the eligibility requirements for Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, see particularly from pages 81 to assess your eligibility before making an application: - https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2021-2022/wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2021-2022_en.pdf

For more information and to apply please click the 'Apply' button above.

Closing date: 15th December 2026 at 23:45

£45,000 to £50,000 per annum (Final salary will be determined according to the Marie Curie– Doctoral Networks rates)