Ad Astra PhD Fellowship

The School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice at University College Dublin (UCD) welcomes PhD applications on topics related to policymaking in multilevel/EU settings. Applications focusing on interlinkages between national and supranational policymaking and legislative bargaining, and that explicitly integrate advanced qualitative or quantitative methods are particularly encouraged.

The successful candidate would have a unique opportunity to join UCD as an Ad Astra Doctoral student and will be offered financial support for the duration of four years (see additional details below).

University College Dublin is Ireland's global university, which is a world-leading centre for education and research in the social sciences and related disciplines. This PhD scholarship aims to provide one student who has great potential and very strong analytical skills, with the opportunity to work within an exciting multidisciplinary research field. We invite applications for the PhD programme, starting September 2026. On completion of the PhD, the successful candidate will earn a PhD in Social Justice from University College Dublin, under the supervision of Dr. Anastasia Ershova.

Funding

Successful candidate will receive financial support for the duration of 4 years. This includes:

• Full funding of their tuition fees;
• A Stipend of €25,000 per annum;
• Research fund of €4,000 per annum;
• A programme of training opportunities and events delivered by the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law.

Eligibility

This is a full-time position. Candidates applying from anywhere in the world are to meet the following eligibility criteria

1)   An academic background in Social Sciences (particularly, Public policy, Political Science, European Studies, Public Administration) or cognate disciplines

2)   Must hold a Master’s degree or complete in at the time of the commencement of the post.

3)   Must demonstrate training in and use of robust research methods.

4)   Must submit research proposal that addresses issues of policymaking in multilevel setting,   including EU policymaking.

5)  UCD is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Learn more: www.ucd.ie/equality

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in due course to arrange an online interview and provided guidelines in advance.