Doctoral Researcher (MSCA), Russia's Role in Promoting Illiberal Governance

Tiivistelmä työpaikkailmoituksesta: The University of Helsinki offers a full‑time MSCA‑funded Doctoral Researcher position for 36 months starting on 1 October 2027. The project investigates how Russian practices diffuse and inspire illiberal governance and autocratisation across Europe through transnational learning and support to domestic actors. The position provides joint international supervision, mandatory intersectoral secondments and research visits, advanced methodological training, and career development opportunities. The post pays a monthly living allowance of €3,639.85 plus a mobility allowance of €546.15 (and a conditional family allowance of €507.69) before taxes, includes pension and health benefits, and applicants with a relevant Master’s must apply by 15 December 2026 while complying with MSCA mobility rules. Tämä tiivistelmä on luotu tekoälyn avulla. MSCA Doctoral Network INFLUENCE “Legacies, Interdependencies, Power: Russian Influences in the European Periphery” invites applications for the position of DOCTORAL RESEARCHER, Russia’s Role in Promoting Illiberal Governance for a full-time position for three years from October 2027. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme of Horizon Europe, INFLUENCE brings together 5 universities across Europe to train a new generation of scholars and practitioners working on the study of Russian influence in Europe. About INFLUENCE Russian influence in Europe is frequently discussed in public debate, yet its mechanisms remain poorly understood. Investigating influence through the dimensions of Legacies, Interdependencies and Power, the Doctoral Network combines expertise from political science, international relations, area studies, sociology, history, media studies, security studies and political economy. Through interdisciplinary research, advanced methodological training and engagement with policy stakeholders, INFLUENCE seeks to advance scholarly and policy understanding of Russian influence in contemporary Europe. Partner Institutions: Vilnius University (Lithuania); University of Glasgow (United Kingdom); University of Helsinki (Finland); University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina); University of Warsaw (Poland). Doctoral candidates will benefit from joint supervision, intersectoral secondments, strong transferable skills development, and a bridge between academic research and policy practice. Secondments for at least 6 months are integral component of the INFLUENCE Doctoral Programme with mandatory research stays at academic and non-academic partner institutions. Position at the University of Helsinki: Teaching Authoritarianism: Russia’s Role in Promoting Illiberal Governance Focus: Investigates how illiberal governance models inspired by Russian practices diffuse to and are adapted by political actors across Europe. Description: This project investigates the rise of autocratisation and bad governance in Europe by examining how illiberal leaders adopt and adapt governance models inspired by Russian practices. Designed to curtail political opposition and dissent while promoting corruption and rent-seeking, these models are increasingly emulated across diverse political contexts to consolidate processes of autocratisation. Illiberal strategies include weakening judicial independence, politicizing courts, restricting media freedom, and reshaping state institutions through the appointment of loyalists and cronies to key decision-making positions. Beyond serving as a model of autocratisation and bad governance, Russia actively supports governments, political parties, and other European domestic actors seeking to undermine liberal democratic norms and institutions. The project will analyse the transnational dynamics of illiberal learning, focusing on the interaction between domestic and international actors in the diffusion of authoritarian strategies and governance practices across Russia and Europe. It will also examine how these practices are adapted to specific political, economic, and societal contexts, thereby contributing to the theorization of the rise of illiberalism and bad governance in Europe. What We Offer 36‑month full-time EU MSCA contract and fully funded doctoral position Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the requirements from the European Commission related to the MSCA programme. The salary (monthly living allowance) is 3 639,85 € per month before taxes. Additionally, a monthly mobility allowance 546,15 € per month before taxes will be paid. If applicable, a conditional monthly family allowance of 507,69 € per month before taxes is paid. Joint international supervision Advanced research, methods and transferable skills training Research visits and intersectoral secondments Professional development opportunities and career guidance Standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for University of Helsinki employees. Read more about the empl