The University of Florida African Networks Lab is looking for a highly motivated PhD student in political geography with expertise in armed conflict in Africa.
We seek a dynamic scholar with a strong research focus on armed conflict in Africa as well as a willingness to engage with the University of Florida Sahel Research Group and the policy community.
The selected candidate should have a master’s degree in Geography or an appropriate field, strong quantitative skills in spatial and network analysis, significant interest on Africa, and ability to work in a highly collegial team.
This is a four-year teaching assistant position hosted by the UF Department of Geography, starting in August 2027. The position is renewable annually pending satisfactory performance and continued funding.
The selected candidate will need to apply to the UF graduate school before December 1st, 2026. The position is based in Gainesville, Florida.
International students should check that they are eligible to receive a F1 visa before applying.
If you’re interested, email me a copy of your CV and a short research statement before September 30th, 2026 to Dr. Olivier Walther (owalther@ufl.edu). Please do not use Artificial Intelligence to draft your cover letter!
Our Lab studies trade and politically violent networks using spatial and network analysis. We’ve been funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA, the U.S. Department of State, the OECD, the World Food Program, and UK International Development.