Internal vacancy - Researcher in International Law and Disruptive Technologies

The Asser Institute, based in The Hague, and affiliated with the University of Amsterdam is seeking a researcher in International Law and Disruptive Technologies. The researcher will join the research strand on Disruptive technologies in peace and security within our Research Agenda Rethinking public interests in international and European law . This research strand conducts research on technologies that have disruptive implications for international security and international law, including military and security applications of artificial intelligence (AI), data-driven warfare, biochemical weapons, dual use technologies with a disruptive potential, quantum technologies, and neurotechnology. Two main lines of enquiry guide research within this strand: on the one hand, we question how legal frameworks can contribute to the governance of technologies, and on the other hand we analyse how technologies challenge legal concepts.

Current externally-funded research projects in the strand include the DILEMA project , the ELSA Lab Defence project, the Quantum Delta NL project, and initiatives in the field of international arms control law.

What are you going to do?

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality fundamental research on international law and technology, including but not limited to AI in the fields of defence, security, justice;
• Develop and execute new and innovative research in relation to these research topics, and thereby contribute to the diversification and growth of the research strand;
• Publish articles in high-level academic journals;
• Engage with relevant private and public stakeholders (academia, policy, industry);
• Initiate and/or actively contribute to the drafting of proposals to acquire research funding and projects;
• Work in collaboration with other researchers in the strand and beyond;
• Participate in the development and execution of the research, education, and outreach activities of the research strand;
• Engage actively with the Asser research community.

What do you have to offer?

Your profile

The successful candidate will meet the following requirements:

• A recently completed PhD in public international law with a focus on technologies and/or artificial intelligence;
• A solid knowledge of academic, policy, and technical debates surrounding AI in diverse sectors;
• A keen interest in developing new and innovative research on new technologies;
• A track-record of academic publications commensurate with experience;
• A strong research interest in responsible innovation and governance of technologies in the public sector;

Your experience and skills:

• Experience or a demonstrable interest in policy-oriented research and engagement with government and industry;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Fluency in English;
• Command of the Dutch language (or willingness to acquire a working proficiency) would be an advantage.

Our offer

We offer full-time employment with a probationary period of three months, preferably starting from 1 September 2024. The appointment is initially for one year. Upon successful performance, the appointment will be converted into a permanent position. The UFO profile Researcher 3 applies to this position. The salary will be in accordance with the salary scales of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities , scale 11, depending on the actual level of experience. Secondary benefits include 8% holiday pay and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. A temporary reduction in income tax (equal to 30% of taxable salary) may apply to non-Dutch candidates.

The employee will be appointed at the University of Amsterdam and seconded to the Asser Institute.

About us

T.M.C. Asser Instituut

Established in 1965 and located in The Hague, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut is an internationally renowned centre of expertise in the fields of public international law, private international law and European law affiliated with the University of Amsterdam. The T.M.C. Asser Instituut conducts fundamental and independent policy-oriented research and organises critical and constructive reflection on international and European legal developments, at the interface of academia, legal practice, and governance. The institute actively disseminates its knowledge through publications, training programmes, conferences, and free events.

The University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the widest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 39.000 students, 6.000 employees en 3.000 PhD students connected by a culture of curiosity. Read more.

Amsterdam Law School
With over 5,000 students and more than 500 staff members, the Amsterdam Law School is one of the larger law faculties in the Netherlands. We educate lawyers who know how to apply the law effectively with the aim of making a real contribution to solving social problems.

Any questions?

For further information, please contact Dr Bérénice Boutin ([email protected] ), Senior Researcher and Strand Coordinator.

Job application

Application for this position is initially exclusively open to internal candidates .

To apply to this position, please submit:

• A research proposal (maximum 4 pages), which  indicates research the applicant would aim to pursue in the coming years in the context of the strand on Disruptive technologies in peace and security , as well as outreach activities, acquisition, education, and any other projects and ideas;
• A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages);
• A curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages).

Interested candidates are requested to submit the requested documents in PDF format by email to [email protected] , to the attention of the Selection Committee, indicating ‘Researcher in International Law and Disruptive Technologies’ in the subject line. Further information on the position may be obtained from All genders are encouraged to apply.

The deadline to submit applications is Monday 8 July 2024 (17:00 CEST).

APPLICATIONS NEED TO BE DONE VIA EMAIL AS MENTIONED ABOVE. DO NOT USE THE ‘APPLY’ BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451/ GBC451, please try using a VPN connection when outside of the European Union. Please reach out directly to our HR Department . They will gladly help you continue your application.

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