Call for PhD Fellowship for LAC-EU Project

Online Informative Session: MSCA-Doctoral Network “Understanding Latin American Challenges in the 21st Century” (LAC-EU) 

Sciences Po is seeking applications for one doctoral candidate position under the MSCA-DN Understanding Latin American Challenges in the 21st Century (LAC-EU). The selected candidates will be employed by Sciences Po and will be required to enroll in the PhD training programme at Sciences Po School of Research and at Center for European Studies and Comparative Politics (CEE). 

Funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - Doctoral Networks, the LAC-EU doctoral network will establish a novel, comprehensive and interdisciplinary framework to understand Latin American Countries (LAC) and its relationship with the EU, fostering respectful, non-Eurocentric research and engagement. It will enable a better understanding of current challenges in Latin American governance and support sustainable, equitable and successful relations between the EU and LAC.

LAC-EU is an integrated four-year doctoral network, providing world-class, interdisciplinary research and training in social and political sciences, law, and the humanities, as well as research exchanges and policy-relevant secondments in the EU and LAC. Research themes include the rise of populism, democracy, gender rights, trade, migration, health, global cities, sustainability and green finance, and cultural studies.

The LAC-EU doctoral programme comprises an interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral network composed of seven leading higher education institutions and key, highly relevant civil society organizations, and policy partners from a range of European and LAC countries. It offers an exceptional combination of academic and research-related training and transferable skills to deliver scientific excellence, occupational mobility, and preparation for lifelong, policy-relevant learning for a new generation of researchers. 

Network members

• Beneficiaries: Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, FLACSO-Argentina, Universitat de Barcelona, Sciences Po, University of Oslo and University of York
• Associated partners: Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Centre for International Affairs, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Universidad de Chile, EU-LAC Foundation, Instituto Português de Relações Internacionais -Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, -FLACSO-Ecuador, Université de Poitiers, and Democracia Abierta/Open Democracy

Available positions at Sciences Po

Fellow - R11
Host institution - Sciences Po, School of Research and Center for European Studies and Comparative Politics
Duration - 36 months
Start date - October 2024
Project title - Data and technology in cities’ governance
Supervisor - Patrick LE GALES 

Objectives:

1. Analyze the use of big data, algorithms, AI in the process of governments in LAC and EU national governments, states and major cities;
    
2. Compare and assess the role of public and private organizations, the transformation of bureaucracies and the rationalization of public policies and their outcomes;
    
3. Compare the politics of knowledge, the role of private firms and platforms, and bottom-up innovations from citizens.

Expected Results:

1. A detailed explanation of policy changes and changes of power relations in relation to big data; 2) Comparative research methods that contribute empirically and conceptually to a better understanding of policy processes at different analytical levels; 3) Policy-relevant research that enables the identification of successes, risks and failures based on the comparative analysis in LAC and EU
    
2. Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellows are offered a full-time, three-year contract that includes full social security benefits, a highly competitive monthly living allowance, as well as mobility and family allowances. 
    
3. The program offers young researchers an exceptional opportunity to engage in network-wide training and acquire a broad range of research-focused and transferable skills at various locations across Europe and LAC. This includes working with leading scientists and experts in the field.

Requirements

We seek motivated researchers who hold a Master’s degree in Political Science, Urban Studies, Sociology, Law or equivalent (early-stage researchers) and possess excellent empirical and theoretical skills, as well as good teamwork abilities. Proficiency in both English and Spanish is a requirement.

Doctoral candidates’ recruitment is subject to the mobility rule. Applicants may be nationals of Member States, Associated Countries, or any other third country. Additionally, the applicant must not have lived or worked in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to their date of recruitment, excluding short stays such as holidays. 

Applicants who hold a doctorate or have more than 4 years of full-time research experience are ineligible. 

Final candidates should ideally begin their PhD enrolment/employment in October 2024.

Applications must be submitted by 17 May 2024 at 11:59pm (Paris time). 

Interviews might be scheduled in the following weeks.

The application procedure consists of two required steps:

1. Online Admission: The application must be submitted online according to the Admissions conditions and calendar of Sciences Po.
https://www.sciencespo.fr/ecole-doctorale/en/content/admission-phd.html

The application must include the following documents:

• Two academic recommendations (an optional professional recommendation may be added)
• Copy of ID
• Letter of motivation
• Outline of ideas for the doctoral project (2,000-3,000 words)
• Copy of BA and MA (if already available) degree diplomas. For candidates currently in the process of obtaining the requested diploma, please attach all the transcripts available at the time of your application.
• CV with full summary of education, practice, academic and non-academic work experience, language proficiency, positions of trust, and other qualifying/extra-curricular activities. The period of enrolment (admission-completion) in the Master’s study programme must be specified
• If applicable: up to two academic research outputs (such as a Master thesis or published articles)

2. Applications must also be submitted through the Centre of European Studies and Comparative Politics.

When the first step of your application has been completed, please send an email to recruitment.cee@sciencespo.fr with the following documents:

• Cover Letter of Motivation
• CV
• Outline of ideas for the doctoral project (2,000-3,000 words): A draft research proposal for the PhD that fits into the remit of the LAC-EU as described above
• If applicable: up to two academic research outputs (such as a Master thesis or published articles)
• Optional: Master thesis, or thesis proposal

For further information, please contact Eleonora Russo (eleonora.russo@sciencespo.fr) and Patrick Le Galès (patrick.legales@sciencespo.fr)