Doctoral Scholarship Holder International Relations And International Security

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Social Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of International Relations and International Security.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of International Relations. You will write your thesis in the context of the PLATFORM WARS research project, funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). PLATFORM WARS investigates the growing role of the high-technology sector in modern warfare, focusing on how platform corporations shape contemporary thinking, practices, and regulation in warfare. The project is led by Marijn Hoijtink, who will also act as the main supervisor.
• As a PhD researcher in the PLATFORM WARS project, you will be responsible for the part of the project that investigates how the high-technology sector shapes new socio-technical practices of warfighting. You will conduct independent and collaborative field research (e.g., at military/tech expos and other professional meetings, but also in situ observations) and conduct interviews with tech entrepreneurs and the military. You will also help develop a mapping of technology corporations involved in warfare through a study of publicly available data on military contracts.
• You will collaborate with supervisors and peers in research and international scientific publications.
• You will participate in the provision of academic services: you will represent the research group and project both internally and externally at conferences, workshops, seminars and other scholarly activities, help coordinate the project, and contribute to science communication.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and support tasks for Research Group International Politics and the Department of Political Science.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Political Science, International Relations, Security Studies, Conflict Studies, Anthropology, Science and Technology Studies or a related field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You have relevant research experience in the field of security, war and technology. Having knowledge of digital tools for data collection and analysis is an advantage.
• You are highly motivated to study the political and societal challenges related new technologies in warfare.
• You have a clear interest in collaborative and interdisciplinary research activities.
• You can speak and write fluently in English.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer a Doctoral scholarship for two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two years.
• The planned start date is 1 October 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for Doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, an Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at the Stadscampus in the Meerminne building in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 10 July 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
• a motivation letter
• your academic CV
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. We will notify you as soon as a decision is made. Short-listed candidates will be sent a project description for PLATFORM WARS and asked to write a short research proposal (max. 3 pages) within or related to that proposal. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed in the week of 19-23 August 2024.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job or the PLATFORM WARS project, please contact Dr. Marijn Hoijtink, Associate Professor in International Relations, Marijn.hoijtink@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.