ESRC DTP Collaborative Studentship: The Changing Nature of Germany's Relationships with the Visegrad 4 Countries (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic)

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)  Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) . One of 14 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the University of Warwick, Aston University, University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham.

We are now inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Collaborative Studentship between Aston University (where the student will be based) , the University of Birmingham, UK, and the Jacques Delors Centre at the Hertie School in Berlin, Germany, to commence in October 2023. 

Lead Supervisor

Dr Ed Turner (Aston University) 

Co-Supervisors

Professor Tim Haughton (University of Birmingham) 

Dr Johannes Lindner (Jacques Delors Centre, Berlin) 

Project Description

The project will evaluate the evolution of German relations with the V4 (principally as individual countries but considering, where relevant, Germany’s relationship with the Visegrád group)  between 2013 and the present day.

Rather than providing an exact template for areas of focus, we will work with the researcher to develop the appropriate analytical framework.

For more detailed information about the project, please see the Further Details document available on the MGS website.

Person Specification

We welcome applications from candidates with a background in a relevant discipline – Politics, International Relations or another relevant social science is most likely, but we would be open to an outstanding candidate with a languages-based area studies background. An ability to speak fluent English, and German to at least an intermediate level, is considered essential (and further language training will be available if necessary) .  Knowledge of one or more of the languages of the V4 countries would be of value but is not essential.

For at least three months, the successful candidate will be based at the Jacques Delors Centre in Berlin, so should be comfortable with being based both at Aston (principally)  but also be willing to travel, and we anticipate travel to the V4 capital cities will also be required.

This opportunity is open both to UK-based candidates and those based in other countries (such as Germany or one of the V4 nations) .

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Collaborative Studentship application form available online here. Please upload a CV as part of the online application process. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide transcripts and two references.

Application deadline: 6th March 2023

Provisional interview date: 10^th March 2023

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend (currently £17,668 per year) , and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants, such as fieldwork funding. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/. 

Please note that Aston University has confirmed that international students will not be required to fund the different between home and international fees.

Informal enquiries about the studentship can be directed to Dr Ed Turner (e.turner@aston.ac.uk) . 

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