The EUI has an open vacancy for a
Research Assistant in the
Florence School of Transnational Governance
Florence, 03 November 2026
Reference: V/RA/STG/10/2026
Who we are
The European University Institute (EUI) at a glance:
- an international organisation set up in 1972;
- a research university focusing exclusively on postgraduate, doctoral and post-doctoral studies, and advanced research;
- located in the hills overlooking the city of Florence, Italy.
The Institute also hosts the Historical Archives of the European Union.
The Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG), founded in 2017 at the European University Institute, is a global hub for teaching, training, and research in governance beyond national borders. In the cradle of the Renaissance, we provide a dynamic platform where leaders from policymaking, business, civil society, media, and academia connect. We welcome independent minds, thinkers, and doers, offering world-class expertise from leading scholars and policymakers. Committed to innovation and inclusivity, we equip future and current leaders with the tools to tackle today's most pressing global challenges. We believe public policy should bring out the best in people.
Employment details
| Contract type | Full-time (30/30, 40 hours/week) |
|---|---|
| Length of contract | 17.5 months, start date as soon as possible This contract may be further renewed (several times and conditional to the availability of funds), leading to an extension of the period of service up to a total of 5 years, including the first contract period. |
| Salary indication and grade | Grade: ASTAC1e, step 1 The basic net monthly salary after taxes is approximately 2,240 Euro, plus |
allowances if applicable.
More information about conditions of employment is available here.
Place of work
Brussels, Belgium
About the project
Project Directors
Johanna Mair and Francisco De Abreu Duarte
Project details
Building an Alternative Public Sphere project's main objective is to deliver a complete reflection on what European Social Media Platforms (ESMPs) could look like in practice. Admittedly ambitious, this project seeks to kickstart a longer discussion about infrastructural technological dependencies, European sovereignty and the role of informational control in geopolitics, using ESMPs as a compelling and practical case study of such realities.
Job description
The Research Assistant will provide support to the Project Directors and the team. Main tasks include:
- Carrying out desk research on relevant topics, including literature, policy reviews and data collection;
- Contributing to the conceptualization, design and delivery of project events and workshops;
- Supporting stakeholder engagement and dissemination, representing the project at international events, conferences and other outreach activities;
- Assisting with day-to-day project implementation, including meetings, agendas, briefing and communication materials.
Qualifications and experience
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Bachelor's degree in political sciences, law or a social sciences-related field;
- Demonstrated experience working autonomously and as part of an international team;
- Proven knowledge of artificial intelligence, large language models, platform governance and disinformation.
Desirable:
- Master's degree in international relations, European studies or a related field;
- Proven familiarity with data collection and analysis, desk research, literature and policy reviews;
- Proven experience supporting stakeholder engagement and communication activities.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written (CEFR level: C1 or above). Knowledge of other languages constitutes an advantage.
How to apply
| Deadline | The closing date for applications is 19 November 2026 at midnight (Florence time) |
|---|---|
| Contact details | For more information contact Peter Ivanov (peter.ivanov@eui.eu) |
| How to apply | Fill in the online application form and upload documents as requested |
Data Protection
The purpose of processing the data submitted by candidates is to manage their application in view of a possible pre-selection and recruitment by the EUI. The information candidates provide in their application form is collected for the purpose of the selection procedure. The EUI will ensure that candidates' personal data are processed as required by its Data Protection Policy (President's Decision No. 10/2019 of 18 February 2019 regarding Data Protection at the EUI).
Equal opportunities
The European University Institute applies a policy of equal opportunities, which, in accordance with Article 1d of its Staff Regulations, prohibits discrimination on any grounds such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.