Pre-doctoral contract- y international relations

Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid); España; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Social security coverage

Job summary

Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) invites applications for a First Stage Researcher position within the MOZPACES project. You will explore conflict, peacebuilding, security, gender and sociopolitical dynamics in Mozambique, joining an international team to advance literature reviews, empirical research, data analysis and publication activities.

The role includes seminars, potential fieldwork, and supervision support toward a doctoral dissertation aligned with

Qualifications

• Excellent academic record in degree and master programs aligned with the project’s objectives.
• Specialized training in peace and conflict studies, African studies, gender, and intersectionality.
• Experience with qualitative research methods.
• Knowledge of Lusophone Africa and/or Mozambique will be an asset.
• Excellent written and oral communication in Spanish and English; knowledge of Portuguese is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and empirical research related to Mozambique.
• Analyze data and contribute to publications.
• Organize seminars and assist with project activities.
• Engage in fieldwork related to project objectives.
• Support doctoral dissertation work aligned with MOZPACES objectives.
• Collaborate within an international and interdisciplinary team.

Skills

Analytical skills

Academic writing

Multicultural teams

Publications experience

Project management

IR/PolSci background

Education

Master’s degree in International Relations

Master’s degree in Political Science

Master’s degree in Sociology

Master’s degree in Anthropology

Master’s degree in African Studies

Master’s degree in Gender Studies

Job description

Organisation/Company Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Department International and African Studies Group (GEA_GERI), Polticial Sicence and International Relations Departament, Lay Faculty Research Field Political sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are seeking applications from graduates in the social and legal sciences, and in particular, International Relations, International Studies, Political Science, or African Studies, and who hold a master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, African Studies, Gender Studies, or related disciplines, and who are interested in pursuing a doctoral dissertation in the field of studies on conflict, peacebuilding, security, gender, and sociopolitical dynamics in Mozambique.

The successful candidate will join an international and interdisciplinary research team and will participate in literature reviews, empirical research, data analysis, the preparation of scientific publications, the organization of seminars, and, where appropriate, fieldwork related to the project’s objectives, with the aim of completing a doctoral dissertation aligned with the project’s objectives)

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent academic writing abilities.
• Ability to work in multicultural and interdisciplinary environments.
• Experience in scientific dissemination, publications or conference presentations.
• Organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrate an academic background in fields related to International Relations, Political Science, or related disciplines.

Specific Requirements

• An excellent academic record in degree and master programs aligned with the project’s objectives.
• Specialized training in peace and conflict studies, African studies, gender, and intersectionality.
• Experience with qualitative research methods.
• Knowledge of lusophone Africa and/or Mozambique will be an asset..
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills in Spanish, English. Knowledge of Portuguese will be considered an asset.
• Show a commitment to collaborative research and the objectives of the MOZPACES Project

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages PORTUGUESE Level Excellent

Languages SPANISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

The position provides:

• Integration into an international and interdisciplinary research team (GEA_GERI) working on issues related to peacebuilding, human rights, social justice, gender, and inclusive development.
• Opportunities to contribute to high-impact academic research, policy-oriented outputs, and international scientific publications.
• Participation in national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and networking activities.
• Access to specialized training in research methods, academic writing, and professional development.
• Supervision and support for the completion of a PhD dissertation aligned with the objectives of the project.
• A competitive salary and social security coverage in accordance with the regulations governing predoctoral research contracts in Spain.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master's degree or equivalent qualification that grants access to doctoral studies.
• Meet the admission requirements for enrolment in a PhD programme at the Autonomous University of Madrid or another recognised university.
• Excellent command of English (minimum B2).

Selection process

The University is committed to promoting equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment and career development. Applications from individuals belonging to groups traditionally underrepresented in academia are particularly encouraged.

• Administrative eligibility checkof all applications received.
• Evaluation of candidates' academic records, research experience, publications, and motivation letter.
• Assessment of the relevance of the candidate's profileto the research objectives of the MOZPACES Project.
• Interviews with shortlisted candidates, conducted online or in person.
• Final selection based on the overall quality of the application, academic merit, research potential, and suitability for the position.

All application materials will be treated confidentially and processed in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.

Additional comments

The selected candidate is expected to begin the contract as soon as possible following the completion of the recruitment process. The exact starting date will be agreed upon with the successful applicant .