Three PhD students in Political Science for SNF Project Climate Concerns and Trade Policy

We are looking for 3 PhD candidates to contribute to an SNF Project on Climate Concerns and Trade Policy. The project, led by Prof Manfred Elsig, studies the use of trade policy venues (multilateral, preferential, unilateral) to achieve climate objectives. Sub-project one focuses on how climate concerns are mainstreamed in the World Trade Organization. Sub-project two analyses climate provisions in PTAs. Sub-project three studies the EU’s unilateral trade policy initiatives to pursue climate goals. In addition, a large expert survey will be conducted with both trade and climate officials and experts. The PhD candidates will join the WTI’s interdisciplinary doctoral school and will be integrated into the international team responsible for the Design of Trade Agreements Database (DESTA).

We welcome applications from students with a Master’s degree in political science or political economy and a keen interest in questions related to trade and climate. Applicants should have experience with data collection and data management as well as solid training in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Knowledge of basics in text-as-data methods would be a plus.

The positions are based at the World Trade Institute of the University of Bern. You will be part of a vibrant, multi-disciplinary and international institute. PhD candidates are funded for up to 4 years.

The starting date would be February 2025 or upon agreement.

If you are interested, please send:

• a detailed CV;
• a letter of motivation;
• Ba and MA transcripts and diplomas;
• a letter from the university from which you obtained your Master’s degree (within the last 10 years), confirming that you would fulfil the requirements for admission to its doctoral programme;
• two letters of recommendation.

by e-mail to: Phd.Applications@wti.org by 15 August 2024. Positions will be filled on a rolling basis.