Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has established the Postdoctoral Fellowship in Geopolitics and Technology in the United Kingdom for the academic year 2025-2026.

The fellowship is open to candidates holding a PhD in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Law, or Computer Science with an excellent academic record. Applicants must have stayed abroad for at least 12 months during the three years prior to the start date, outside Belgium (short-term visits allowed), and demonstrate strong research skills, fluency in English, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a leading research university in Brussels, Belgium, known for its commitment to freedom, equality, and solidarity. With around 4,000 staff members and a diverse international community, VUB fosters innovation, critical thinking, and creativity across its programs.

Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
• Department: Brussels School of Governance, Department Instituut voor Europese Studies
• Course Level: Postdoctoral
• Award: Full-time postdoctoral scholarship (12 months, extendable up to 36 months subject to positive evaluation)
• Access Mode: On-campus (Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus, Elsene)
• Number of Awards: 1
• Nationality: Open to all, with mobility restrictions (see eligibility)
• The Award Can Be Taken In: Belgium

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Candidates from all countries may apply, provided they have stayed abroad for at least 12 months in the last 3 years (outside Belgium) before the start of the fellowship. Short-term stays in Belgium, such as holidays or conference participation, are allowed.

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: Candidates must hold a PhD in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Law, or Computer Science.

• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Hold a PhD with an excellent academic record.

  • Speak and write English fluently; proficiency in other EU languages is an asset.

  • Have experience in quantitative analysis; familiarity with network analysis or computational methods is a plus.

  • Demonstrate ambition and the ability to conduct high-impact research independently and as part of a team.

  • Be able to work constructively in a collaborative research environment.

How to Apply

In order to apply for this funding program, they must submit your CV, motivation letter (max. 2 pages), research statement (max. 2 pages), and PhD diploma via jobs.vub.be

Benefits

• Full-time postdoctoral grant according to government scales

• Office space, equipment, and budget for travel and research expenses

• Support from Principal Investigator and CSDS staff to develop publication strategy

• Flexible homeworking options with telework allowance

• 35 days of leave (full-time), plus additional holidays and campus closure between Christmas and New Year

• Cost-free hospitalisation insurance

• Reimbursement for commuting and/or cycling compensation

• Campus dining at attractive prices

• Access to sports facilities and various employee discounts

• Nursery near campus and holiday camp discounts

• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.

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