The selected candidates will conduct research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and in collaboration with 4 post-doctoral researchers (positions yet to be advertised) from CNR and QMUL to achieve the project's objectives. Responsibilities include undertaking literature reviews, international fieldwork, and contributing to papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The candidates should hold a master's degree in (i) geography, (ii) sociology, (iii) political science, (iv) anthropology, or another social science field relevant to the research objectives of the project. The working language is English. Familiarity with research in a non-European context (especially China, Ghana, or India) and knowledge of Italian and a non-European language are desirable. Positions are for 3 years (upon positive annual evaluation). Successful candidates will receive an initial stipend of EUR 19.367 (with annual increments) and a research allowance for fieldwork, conferences, and equipment. The Graduate Fellowships require relocation to Italy. Successful candidates will be supported in applying for a PhD at Sapienza University of Rome under the supervision of the Principal Investigator. They are also invited to apply for the Visiting Research Student Scheme at the School of Geography at Queen Mary University of London.

The National Research Council (CNR) is the largest public research institution in Italy, with a total staff of 8503 people, 5559 researchers, 88 institutes, and an annual budget of over EUR 1 billion (2021). Founded in 1923, CNR’s mission is to advance research through its Institutes, to promote innovation and competitiveness of the national industrial system, to foster the internationalisation of the national research system, to provide technologies and solutions to emerging public and private needs, to advice Government and other public bodies, and to contribute to the qualification of human resources. The Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies (IRPPS) at CNR is an interdisciplinary centre that conducts studies on social and economic topics. Established in 1980, IRPPS is dedicated to and promotes rigorous, ethical, and participatory social research, conducting its studies at the international, national, regional, and local scales. The Institute is in central Rome, near the National Central Library and Sapienza University of Rome.