RAW researchers Marijn Hoijtink and Lauren Gould offer a 4-year, fully funded PhD position in International Relations and Conflict Studies as part of their Research Foundation Flanders – FWO-funded project ‘Tracing the Realities of Algorithmic Warfare: From Innovation to Deployment and its Impact on Civilian Harm’. The project is co-led by Marijn Hoijtink (University of Antwerp), who will act as the principal supervisor, and Lauren Gould, who will act as co-promotor (Utrecht University), and embedded in the Realities of Algorithmic Warfare program.
As the wars in Gaza and Ukraine show us, the large-scale deployment of algorithms is already significantly impacting how today’s wars are strategized, fought, and lived. This project will conduct independent academic research and deliver original data on how algorithmic technology is made and made actionable by an increasingly diverse group of actors (involving, e.g., computer programmers and data scientists, military startups, technology firms), and how this leads to new and compounding forms of civilian harm. By systematically studying the realities of algorithmic warfare, we hope to contribute to the current pressing and, at times, contentious societal debates on the promises and perils of integrating AI in the military domain.
Profile:
- Holds a Master’s degree in International Relations, Conflict Studies, Anthropology, or a related field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work. We are also inviting candidates with a Master’s degree in AI politics and governance to apply.
- Can demonstrate excellent study results.
- Has relevant experience conducting interviews, doing participant observation or open-source investigation in military or conflict contexts. Having knowledge of the design or use of algorithmic-based technologies in warfare and civilian harm is an advantage.
- Is highly motivated to collaborate with policy stakeholders and civil society partners and communicate your research results to a broader public.
- Has a clear interest in collaborative and inter and transdisciplinary research activities.
- Is excited to represent the Realities of Algorithmic Warfare program and realize its research and societal objectives through public engagement activities, including media appearances, maintaining the website, writing op-eds, and creating infographics and podcasts.
- Can speak and write fluently in English. Fluency in Dutch, Ukrainian and/or Arabic is an advantage.
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 September 2025 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 be based at the University of Antwerp of Antwerp, in the dynamic city of Antwerp.
Apply through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 10 April 2025.
For more information click here.
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