Overview

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.

Who Can Apply?

• 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 Procedure

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

What Financial Support is Available?

• 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

Other Details

• 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)

For More Information

For more information click here.