Researcher in Political Economy / International Relations (M/F/X) M/W/X

Beschrijving van het bedrijf

CONTEXT

In the framework of the study ¿Alignment Logics and Layers in International Engagement Strategies (ALLIES)¿, we are looking for a full-time researcher in political economy, international relations, or a related field, holding a Master's degree in a relevant discipline.

The Royal Military Academy is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The RMA is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defense department or external sources.

We value diversity and equal opportunities. Whether you are a man, a woman or X, or come from any background, we firmly believe that diversity enriches our community, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

PROJECT

You will work within the Department of Economics, Management and Leadership (DEML) of the RMA, in close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Fernando Ruiz and the research team.

You will conduct scientific research on the project: ¿Alignment Logics and Layers in International Engagement Strategies (ALLIES): Understanding Weaker States' Strategic Choices in Africa and Latin America.¿

In an increasingly polarized international system, weaker states face growing pressure to align with major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia. This project investigates how African and Latin American countries navigate these pressures and how their strategic choices affect the interests of Belgium and the European Union. 

The project combines quantitative network analysis and qualitative case studies to understand alignment strategies (balancing, bandwagoning, hedging). It aims to deliver policy-relevant insights to Belgian Defence, particularly in strategic foresight and international partnership development.

You will be part of a small interdisciplinary team including a PhD researcher and the project promoter, and collaborate with academic partners. You will have the possibility of pursuing a PhD trajectory

Beschrijving van de functie

MAIN TASKS

• Conduct advanced research in political economy, international relations, and network analysis
• Contribute to the development of a multilayer network analysis of international alignments
• Collect, process, and analyse quantitative and qualitative data (e.g. trade flows, voting patterns, policy documents)
• Participate in case study research, including document analysis and interviews
• Contribute to scientific publications (working papers, journal articles) and dissemination outputs (policy briefs, blogs)
• Present research results at academic conferences and internal Defence seminars
• Support collaboration with academic and institutional partners

Jouw profiel

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Degree required / ideal degree:

Master's degree in Economics, Political Economy, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field.

This position is open to junior or early-career researchers (0-3 years of experience).

MUST HAVE

• Strong background in political economy, international relations, or related fields 
• Ability to analyse complex geopolitical or economic issues 
• Strong academic writing and analytical skills 

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience with network analysis / data analysis tools (e.g. R, Python, Gephi, etc.) 
• Knowledge of Africa and/or Latin America geopolitical contexts 
• Experience with policy-oriented research or defence-related topics 
• Experience conducting interviews or fieldwork

PERSONAL SKILLS

• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary research environment 
• Analytical, critical, and creative thinking 
• Clear and effective communication (oral and written) 
• Proactive, organized, and result-oriented 
• Strong team spirit and collaboration skills 
• High level of integrity and confidentiality

OTHER SKILLS

• Excellent command of English (oral and written) 
• Knowledge of French and/or Dutch is an asset 

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense.
• Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.

Diploma

• Master

Taalvaardigheden

• Engels (vereist)

  • Begrijpen : Vaardig - (C1)
  • Schrijven : Vaardig - (C1)
  • Lezen : Vaardig - (C1)
  • Spreken : Vaardig - (C1)

• Nederlands (troef)

  • Begrijpen : Onafhankelijk - (B1)
  • Schrijven : Onafhankelijk - (B1)
  • Lezen : Onafhankelijk - (B1)
  • Spreken : Onafhankelijk - (B1)

• Frans (troef)

  • Begrijpen : Onafhankelijk - (B1)
  • Schrijven : Onafhankelijk - (B1)
  • Lezen : Onafhankelijk - (B1)
  • Spreken : Onafhankelijk - (B1)

Voordelen van de betrekking

CONTRACT

• Probable date of recruitment: From September 1st, 2026, in consultation with the applicant. 
• Status: Full-time employment based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant). Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed until 31/12/2029. 
• Wage scale: class A1 (holder of a Master's degree in Science or equivalent). RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations.

• Holiday pay.

   

  EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS

• Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
• End-of-year bonus;
• Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
• Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
• Meal vouchers (6€ / day);
• Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
• On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
• Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week;
• Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max);
• Holidays: 
• 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years) 
• 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year's Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays).
• Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers...);
• Entitlement to services offered by the `Office Central d'Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense' (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator...;
• Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability).

WORKPLACE

Royal Military Academy
Avenue de la Renaissance 30
1000 Brussels

Occasional travel abroad for conferences and research activities.

Extra informatie

APPLICATION

Please send by email a CV to Prof. Fernando Ruiz (fernando.ruiz@mil.be), to Col. Alexandre YERNA (alex.yerna@mil.be), and to ERM-DEAO-STAFF-HRMGT-PATRIMONY@mil.be 

Please mention clearly the reference of the project in your email: ¿ALLIES Project - Researcher Position¿ and please also precise your nationality.

Application deadline: 10/05/2026.

The interviews will take place at the Royal Military Academy, Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels. If needed, on-line interviews can be organized. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates.

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