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.
Position
- You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in International Relations. You will be jointly supervised by Professors Marijn Hoijtink and Jorg Kustermans.
- You will conduct independent research on concepts of war and peace in a changing international environment. The candidate should have an affinity for the research agenda of one or ideally both supervisors, focusing on conceptions of peace and war, technology, and their intersections.
- You will collaborate with supervisors on research and international scientific publications, or write them independently.
- You will prepare a research funding proposal, if eligible.
- You will present your research at conferences and workshops and contribute to science communication.
- You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Department of Political Science and the International Politics research group.
Profile
- You hold a master's degree in International Relations or a related field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
- You can demonstrate excellent academic results.
- You are familiar with the central debates and theories in IR and have experience conducting qualitative and interpretive research. Regional expertise is considered an asset.
- You have an independent research vision and a strong interest in collaborative research activities.
- You can speak and write fluently in English. Given that you will carry out a limited number of teaching support tasks in our Political Science and International Relations and Diplomacy programs, a good command of Dutch is considered an added value.
- Your teaching competencies 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 a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period.
- The planned start date is 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders
- You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- You will do most of your work at 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 including 9 July 2026 (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 (maximum 2 pages)
- 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. Short-listed candidates will be asked to write a short research proposal (max. 3 pages), in preparation for the interview. Interviews will take place in the third week of August.
- 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 Dr. Marijn Hoijtink, [email protected], or Dr. Jorg Kustermans, [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.
