Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in International Relations & Conflict Studies – University of Antwerp

Fully Funded Doctoral Scholarship in International Relations and Conflict Studies at the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is accepting applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship in International Relations and Conflict Studies within the Faculty of Social Sciences. This prestigious opportunity is available to international researchers with a Master’s degree in relevant fields, offering them the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research on algorithmic warfare and its effects on civilian populations.

Program Overview

Institution: University of Antwerp, Faculty of Social Sciences
Department: Political Science
Position: Full-time Doctoral Researcher
Duration: Two years (renewable for another two years upon satisfactory progress)
Start Date: September 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter
Location: Stadscampus, University of Antwerp
Research Topic: The project, "Tracing the Realities of Algorithmic Warfare: From Innovation to Deployment and Its Impact on Civilian Harm," explores the development, deployment, and consequences of algorithmic warfare technology in conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza.
Supervisors: Dr. Marijn Hoijtink (University of Antwerp) and Dr. Lauren Gould (Utrecht University)

Scholarship Benefits

Fully funded doctoral position
Monthly stipend in accordance with doctoral scholarship rates
Additional perks such as eco vouchers, internet allowance, bicycle allowance, or full reimbursement for public transport
Opportunities for international research collaboration and publication
Participation in academic conferences, workshops, and scholarly events
Limited teaching and administrative responsibilities

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

Possess a Master’s degree in International Relations, Conflict Studies, Anthropology, or related disciplines. Those with a background in AI politics and governance are also encouraged to apply.
Exhibit outstanding academic performance.
Have relevant experience in interviews, participant observation, or open-source investigations in military or conflict-related settings.
Familiarity with algorithmic warfare technologies and their impact on civilians is an added advantage.
Strong motivation to collaborate with policy stakeholders and civil society organizations.
Interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
Willingness to engage in public outreach, including media participation, website content management, writing opinion pieces, and producing infographics or podcasts.
Proficiency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of Dutch, Ukrainian, or Arabic is beneficial.
Research capabilities should align with the university’s academic policies.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via the University of Antwerp’s online job portal.

Click on the ‘Apply’ button and fill out the online application form.
Shortlisted applicants will receive a detailed research project description and will be required to submit a short research proposal (maximum three pages).
Interviews for selected candidates will take place between May 26 and May 30, 2025.

Required Documents

Candidates must submit the following:

A motivation letter (maximum two pages)
An academic CV

Key Deadlines

Application Deadline: April 10, 2025
Notification of Shortlisted Candidates: Shortly after the deadline
Research Proposal Submission: Required from shortlisted applicants
Interview Dates: May 26–30, 2025
Scholarship Start Date: September 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply