Postdoctoral researcher international relations and critical security studies

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%) postdoctoral researcher in the field of International Relations and Critical Security Studies.

Position

• You will assist in the ongoing research project, ‘Weaponizing AI for democracy? The impact of high-tech software companies on the norms and conduct of war’, and the activities of the International Politics research group.
• You will help coordinate project proposals and contribute to attracting external funding.
• You will assist in supervising PhD students and other team members.
• You will fulfil a limited number of teaching activities in the Master’s program in International Relations and Diplomacy.
• You will participate in the provision of academic services: you will represent the research group both internally and externally, help to coordinate service projects, and so on.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in Political Science, International Relations, Security Studies, or a related field (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work).
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• Your teaching competencies are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English and also express yourself in Dutch.

What we offer

• We offer a full-time contract as a senior researcher for a period of 6 to 12 months, depending on the pay scale and type of contract.
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• The planned start date is 1 January 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
• You will do most of your work at the Stadscampus 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 15 July 2025 (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. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Marijn Hoijtink, [email protected] or prof. Tom Sauer, [email protected].

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.