"Ad Astra PhD Fellowship in EU and Multilevel Policymaking at University College Dublin"

University College Dublin - The School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice

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 and EU settings. We are particularly interested in research that examines the interlinkages between national and supranational policymaking and legislative bargaining, with explicit integration of advanced qualitative or quantitative methods.

About the Position

The successful candidate will join UCD as an Ad Astra Doctoral student, a prestigious opportunity that provides comprehensive financial support for four years. University College Dublin is Ireland's global university and a world-leading centre for education and research in the social sciences. This PhD scholarship aims to support a student with exceptional potential and strong analytical skills to work within an exciting multidisciplinary research field. The programme commences in September 2026, and upon completion, the successful candidate will earn a PhD in Social Justice from UCD under the supervision of Dr. Anastasia Ershova. For details see here.

Funding Package

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive financial support for the full duration of four years, including:

• Full funding of tuition fees
• Annual stipend of €25,000
• Annual research fund of €4,000
• Access to a programme of training opportunities and events delivered by the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law

Eligibility Criteria

This is a full-time position open to candidates from anywhere in the world. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic background in Social Sciences, particularly Public Policy, Political Science, European Studies, Public Administration, or cognate disciplines
• Hold a Master's degree (or complete it by September 2026) with a final mark of 2.1 or higher
• Demonstrate training in and use of robust research methods, with emphasis on quantitative methods
• Proficiency in statistical software, specifically Stata and/or R
• Submit a research proposal that addresses issues of policymaking in multilevel settings, including EU policymaking
• UCD is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Learn more at www.ucd.ie/equality

How to Apply

The application deadline is February 8th, 2026, 23:59 GMT. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted via the online application form.

Your complete application package must include:

• Proof of English Language Competence (for non-native English speakers): Certificate from approved examining bodies, no more than 2 years old, meeting UCD minimum requirements
• Diploma and transcripts of academic records (undergraduate and postgraduate)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research proposal (maximum 2,500 words, excluding references)
• Personal statement (maximum 1,000 words)
• Contact details of two referees

Selection Process

Online interviews will be held in March 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to arrange interviews and will receive guidelines in advance.

About the Supervisor

Dr. Anastasia Ershova is an Assistant Professor and Ad Astra Fellow at the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice and at the Geary Institute. She holds a PhD in Politics and Public Administration from the University of Konstanz, Germany. Her research focuses on delegation of implementing powers in EU governance systems, EU policy responsiveness, and public policy.

Contact

For specific questions, please contact Dr. Anastasia Ershova at Anastasia.Ershova@ucd.ie using the subject line "Ad Astra PhD inquiry."

For more information about the PhD programme structure, please visit the School website.