About the Program
The PhD scholarship in diplomatic-history is offered within the ERC Consolidator Project INNER_LEAGUE at the Saxo Institute, Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen. This interdisciplinary research project explores the social-bureaucratic history of the League of Nations Secretariat, combining social, institutional, and digital history. The successful candidate will be part of a pioneering international research environment with opportunities for academic training, research collaboration, and contribution to the digital prosopographical project VisuaLeague. The position is fully funded and ideal for students interested in diplomatic history, bureaucratic systems, and international organisations.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position
- Institution: University of Copenhagen
- Department/Faculty: Saxo Institute, Faculty of Humanities
- Supervisor: Haakon A. Ikonomou (PI, INNER_LEAGUE Project)
- Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
- Duration: 3 years (180 ECTS)
- Funding: Fully funded; monthly salary of approx. DKK 30,800 (EUR 4125) + 17.1% pension
- Working Hours (if applicable): 840 work hours over 3 years (teaching, research tasks)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (two years/120 ECTS) or equivalent in a relevant field. The degree must be completed and the thesis pre-approved by the time of application.
Research Focus/Area
- Social history of international organisations
- League of Nations Secretariat (1920s–1940s)
- Bureaucratic infrastructures of multilateral diplomacy
- Prosopography and digital history
- New Diplomatic History
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- A completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) in History or related fields
- Proficiency in written and spoken academic English
- Master’s thesis submitted and pre-approved
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in working with international organisation archives
- Knowledge of digital history tools and prosopographical methods
- French language reading skills
- Interest in bureaucratic history and diplomatic agency
Key Features of the Program
- Structured supervision and training under a major ERC-funded project
- Participation in international research teams
- Contribution to building digital historical tools (VisuaLeague)
- Possibility of travel and conference funding
- Access to archival materials and state-of-the-art research infrastructure
- Collaborative academic environment at the Saxo Institute
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online via the University of Copenhagen’s recruitment portal.
Required Documents:
- Cover letter (max. 2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Project reflection (max. 3 pages, Times New Roman, 12pt, 1.15 spacing)
- Diplomas and transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
- Language qualification documents (if applicable)
- List of publications (if available)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Open now
- Deadline: 15 August 2025, 23:59 CEST
- Interviews (if applicable): Autumn 2025
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Copenhagen
- Official Notification: PhD scholarship in the ERC Consolidator Project
- Application Portal: Apply now via UCPH
