Postdoc in geopolitics and governance of chip security value chains

Are you interested in exploring technology value chains and geopolitics through a law and political economy lens Are you a self-starter and do you have a critical and creative mind

This postdoc position is part of an interdisciplinary project exploring chip-security in globalised value chains. The security of devices has gradually become more infrastructural as it intertwines and relies upon cryptographic components and circuitry that are implemented in end devices. Moreover soft/hardware design production assembly and security evaluation happen across global supply chains and regional differences in security certification schemes. This raises numerous legal social and political economy questions complicating power dynamics over digital infrastructures blurring the web of liabilities and responsibilities all amidst growing geopolitical volatility. Against this background how does security evaluation fit practically and legally into global supply chains How does it interact with dominant actors and forces in the semiconductor and electronics industry with states national regional and/or international organizations

The postdoc is expected to leverage a (law and) political economy lens to map and analyse key actors and vulnerabilities across global value chains and expose broader regulatory societal and political-economic power dynamics. We welcome candidates who are willing to challenge dominant frameworks centre questions of equity and self-determination and bring a justice-oriented lens to their research. The postdoc should be committed to critical reflexive research that interrogates how laws standards and supply chains can reinforce asymmetric power relations such as imperialist logics colonial continuities and economic domination.

This is a research position allowing you to conduct in-depth critical and empirical research publish and travel for workshops and conferences. You will be given substantial freedom to develop your own research agenda under guidance of project co-lead Jef Ausloos. You will be embedded in the Institute for Information Law (IViR) and periodically liaise with project partners at the Institute for Informatics (IVI).

Your tasks include:

• Conduct interdisciplinary and empirical research into the governance and political economy of global security chip value chains;
• Produce high quality academic output;
• Attend and present your work at relevant workshops and conferences;
• Organise team meetings with project partners;
• Organise and host a workshop around your research;
• Contribute to new grant applications.

• A completed PhD degree in political science media studies science and technology studies law & technology or any other (sub)field relevant to the project as briefly outlined above;
• Excellent (empirical) research skills and an affinity with critical theory;
• Curiosity and interest to go beyond ones scholarly comfort zone and actively engage across disciplines using different methods;
• Experience with research in globalised technology governance ecosystems;
• Strong communication skills and an ability to engage with formal and bureaucratic (international) organisations for empirical research;
• Collegial attitude and capacity to work both independently and in teams;
• Experience with organising workshops lecture series or other professional events;
• Excellent language skills in English;
• You recognise that academic work is inherently political and approach your research with an ethic of accountability to communities disproportionately affected by digital infrastructure governance.

If the vacancy appeals to you but you are doubting whether you might be THE person we are looking for please do apply. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be appointed at the University of Amsterdam starting in November 2026. The employment contract will be for 24 months 38 hours a week with a probationary period of two months for new appointments. The salary depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract will vary between be 4.728 to 6.433 (scale 11) gross per month. This is exclusive 8% holiday and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The starting salary will be based on qualifications expertise and relevant experience. A favourable tax agreement the 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. If you are applying from outside the EU the UvA can also assist in the necessary visa application procedures.

The Institute for Information Law (IViR) officially established in 1989 is one of the largest research centers in the field of information law in Europe and one of the largest of its kind in the world. The Institute employs over 45 people working across disciplines and topics related to the regulation and governance of the information society.

We offer

• excellent possibilities for further professional development and education;
• the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers at the University of Amsterdam and beyond;
• opportunity to contribute to teaching and educational activities.

The Amsterdam Law School has an international and interdisciplinary orientation reflected in both its research and educational activities. The Amsterdam Law School offers three Bachelors programs including the interdisciplinary English-language Bachelor Politics Psychology Law and Economics (PPLE) in cooperation with two other faculties as well as a variety of Masters programs several of which are taught exclusively in English (i.e. Technology Governance International and European Law European Private Law etc.).

Curious about our organization Learn more about working at the University of Amsterdam here.

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role we look forward to receiving your motivation letter (max. 700 words) and CV. Please explicitly confirm whether you have or have not used generative AI tools in any part of the process of drafting your application and if you have please explain how (max. 100 words). We value your honesty in this regard. You can apply via the red button until 23 July 2026. Interviews will take place in September.

A Note on the use of Generative AI

We do not believe in the inevitability of generative AI and will not use AI to evaluate your application. While there might be certain individual benefits to using generative AI there are also significant biases structural harm and exploitation involved with its development and use. We do not prohibit the use of generative AI tools altogether but ask you to be very mindful of how you use these tools if you decide to use them at all. Importantly we value honesty and authenticity over polished and generic letters.

For questions about the position please contact:

• dr Jef Ausloos: