Youth Works Hub has identified this Research Assistant opening at the EUI's Florence School of Transnational Governance as a compelling opportunity for professionals with a background in AI, platform governance and policy research.
Who Is the European University Institute?
The European University Institute (EUI) is an international organisation established in 1972. It is a research university focusing exclusively on postgraduate, doctoral and post-doctoral studies, and advanced research. Located in the hills overlooking Florence, Italy, the EUI also hosts the Historical Archives of the European Union.
About the Florence School of Transnational Governance
The Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) was founded in 2017 at the European University Institute as a global hub for teaching, training and research in governance beyond national borders. Based in Florence, the STG provides a dynamic platform where leaders from policymaking, business, civil society, media and academia connect. It offers world-class expertise from leading scholars and policymakers, is committed to innovation and inclusivity, and equips future and current leaders with the tools to tackle today's most pressing global challenges.
The Project: Building an Alternative Public Sphere
The Research Assistant will work on the Building an Alternative Public Sphere project, led by Project Directors Johanna Mair and Francisco De Abreu Duarte.
The project's main objective is to deliver a complete reflection on what European Social Media Platforms (ESMPs) could look like in practice. 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 these realities.
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What You Will Do: Main Tasks
The Research Assistant provides support to the Project Directors and the team. Main tasks include:
🔍 Carrying out desk research on relevant topics, including literature reviews, 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.
Essential Qualifications
📘 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 Qualifications
🎓 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.
Language Requirements
🇬🇧 Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written, at CEFR level C1 or above. Knowledge of other languages constitutes an advantage.
Employment Details
📋 Contract type: Full-time (40 hours/week)
📅 Length of contract: 17.5 months, start date as soon as possible
🔄 Renewal: This contract may be further renewed (several times, subject to 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: Grade ASTAC1e, step 1. Basic net monthly salary approximately €2,240 after taxes, plus allowances if applicable.
📍 Place of work: Brussels, Belgium
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.
How to Apply
Fill in the online application form and upload documents as requested via the EUI Vacancies portal. You will need to register or log in to access the form.
For more information, contact Peter Ivanov at peter.ivanov@eui.eu.
Explore more Jobs opportunities on Youth Works Hub to find other openings that match your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Florence School of Transnational Governance?
The STG is a global hub at the EUI for teaching, training and research in governance beyond national borders. Founded in 2017, it connects policymakers, academics, civil society and business leaders around pressing governance challenges.
What is the Building an Alternative Public Sphere project about?
The project aims to produce a comprehensive reflection on what European Social Media Platforms (ESMPs) could look like in practice, addressing infrastructural technological dependencies, European digital sovereignty and the role of informational control in geopolitics. ESMPs serve as the main case study.
Is the position fully in Brussels?
Yes. The place of work is Brussels, Belgium, despite the EUI and STG being headquartered in Florence, Italy.
What is the salary for this position?
The basic net monthly salary is approximately €2,240 after taxes, at Grade ASTAC1e, step 1. Allowances may apply depending on personal circumstances. Full conditions of employment are available on the EUI's employment information page.
Can the contract be extended beyond 17.5 months?
Yes. The contract may be renewed several times, subject to the availability of funds, up to a total of 5 years including the initial contract period.
Is a Master's degree required?
A Master's degree in international relations, European studies or a related field is desirable but not essential. The essential qualification is a Bachelor's degree in political sciences, law or social sciences, combined with demonstrated experience in AI, platform governance and disinformation.
What languages do I need?
Excellent English at CEFR C1 level or above is required. Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.
How do I apply?
Apply through the EUI Vacancies portal using the link below. You will need to register or log in to access the application form. Documents are uploaded as part of the form. For queries, contact Peter Ivanov at peter.ivanov@eui.eu.
Deadline
⏳ 19 November 2026
Links
https://apps.eui.eu/Vacancies/CandidateAccess/Login?redirectToVacancy=2047
https://www.eui.eu/Documents/ServicesAdmin/AcademicService/JobOpportunities/2026/STG-10-2026.pdf
