The University of Deusto invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the area of migration, time and urban studies in the framework of the the Marie Sk?odowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) “Entanglements of Migration and Time in Post-industrial Urban Europe (MITIME)” project. MSCA-DNs are European Union–funded initiatives that train PhD students through international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral doctoral projects aimed at fostering scientific excellence and enhancing researchers’ career development.
Requirements
Profile of the Doctoral Candidate:
A successful candidate should ideally meet the following criteria:
A strong commitment to conducting interdisciplinary and collaborative research in international and cross-sectoral contexts.
The ability to take initiative, manage research tasks responsibly, and work both independently and as part of a team.
The capacity to design and complete a doctoral research project within the framework and timeline of the assigned project description, leading to the submission of a PhD thesis and other academic outputs.
Willingness to contribute to MITIME’s collective research, training, and dissemination activities, including workshops, summer schools, and other network events.
The capacity to play an active role in conceptualizing, developing, and executing core MITIME project outputs, e.g. scientific articles, reports, conferences.
Prior experience with the theoretical and methodological dimensions of qualitative and/or quantitative research.
Academic or professional experience relevant to the thematic focus of MITIME.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver high-quality written and oral outputs.
Demonstrated academic writing experience in the social sciences or humanities.
Excellent English-language communication skills, both written and spoken.
Willingness and readiness for international mobility, including research secondments, training events, and conference participation.
We particularly encourage candidates from under-represented and marginalized groups who meet the eligibility criteria (see below) to apply.
A successful applicant must fulfill all of the following minimum criteria:
Must hold a Master’s degree (e.g. MSc, MA, or equivalent) prior to the beginning of the contract. The degree should be in a field relevant to the specific doctoral position, i.e. migration studies, anthropology, sociology, geography, urban studies, media studies, social policy, political science, and public administration, or a related discipline.
Must have not already completed (or successfully defended) a PhD degree.
May be of any nationality; however, must not have resided or carried out one’s main activity (i.e. work or studies) in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before your starting date, complying with the MSCA-DN mobility rules. (Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays and time spent by the candidate as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered)
Must be proficient in both written and spoken English and fluent in the additional languages required by the specific doctoral position, if applicable.
Must fulfill the local requirements of the recruiting institutions, which are listed in the individual project descriptions (if applicable).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
All applicants must complete TWO SEPARATE APPLICATION FORMS as part of this call.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Fill out the Application form and submit all required documents in a single PDF file (maximum size of the file: 10MB) in the order listed below:
Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page): Introduce yourself and your qualifications, outline your motivation for applying to the position, and describe your future career objectives.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include details of educational qualifications, grades achieved in relevant research modules or dissertations, and any other pertinent academic or professional experience.
Research Proposal: Describe your proposed approach to the specific project for which you are applying, based on the brief project description provided (min 3-max. 5 pages, including references, Times New Roman or Calibri font size 11, standard margin is 2.54 cm on all sides).
Official Transcripts: Provide final grade transcripts for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. If transcripts are not in English, include an official translation.
Degree Certificates: Submit copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas or proof of degree completion. If you are currently enrolled in a Master’s programme, include available transcripts and a statement from your supervisor confirming that you are on track to complete your degree by the commencement of the contract.
Proof of English Language Competence: Submit documentation of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) as required by the recruiting institution. Candidates whose first language is English, or who have previously studied in English, should provide a brief justification requesting exemption from this requirement.
2. Register through the University’s central recruitment system (the platform you are using right now) by clicking on the blue “Apply” button.
Support service will be available during the application period via email: dit.apoyo@deusto.es
The deadline for applications is 1 February 2026, 12:00 CET. For more information about the Doctoral Network, consortium members and the full version of the call for applications please visit: www. migrationtime.eu