Call for intern: International law and disruptive technologies, with a focus on military AI
The Asser Institute is a research centre for international and European law. Its mission is to contribute to the development of international and European law by conducting independent fundamental research, policy-oriented research, and applied legal research, as well as by initiating and facilitating academic and expert meetings, (professional) education, and public events with a view to disseminating knowledge of international and European law. The institute is dedicated to building a strong research community and creating an environment that facilitates critical-constructive reflection.
The institute invites applications for a:
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Research intern – Part-time (3 days per week)
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Starting date: 30 March 2026
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Location: The Hague (in person)
The research intern will provide research assistance to the research strand on disruptive technologies in peace and security (DTPS). The research strand on disruptive technologies in peace and security conducts research on technologies that have disruptive implications for international security and international law, such as military AI, biochemical weapons, and neurotechnology.
Tasks and objectives
The research intern will assist in the implementation of several research activities in the context of the DTPS research strand, including: research support on topics related to AI and public international law; editorial support for the Netherlands Yearbook of International Law; and organisational support for expert meetings, academic conferences, and public outreach events.
The research intern will gain knowledge on the intersection of international law and disruptive technologies, in particular military AI, and explore complex legal and policy questions on the international governance and regulation of these technologies. They will gain direct experience on various facets of academic research, and work in close collaboration with recognised experts in the field of international law and technology. They will also be able to develop general professional skills such as written and oral communication in a professional context, and planning and organisation of individual tasks and responsibilities.
Qualifications and background
Interested applicants should meet the following requirements:
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Enrolled as a student, or recently graduated, in public international law;
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Solid knowledge of general public international law, international humanitarian and/or human rights law, State and/or individual responsibility (demonstrated by relevant courses taken and grades obtained);
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Keen interest in disruptive technologies, in particular artificial intelligence in the military context;
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Fluent in English, with excellent drafting and editorial skills;
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Outstanding attention to detail;
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Good command of IT tools including MS Office.
Internships at the Asser Institute are for students in principle and, exceptionally, for recent graduates. This means that you must be registered as a student at a university or a school and must be eligible to live and work in the Netherlands through either EU citizenship or a student visa from a Dutch university. Recent graduates (bachelor and master) may apply, but only within the first year of graduation, when ‘learning through interning’ may still add to your education.
The internship is an opportunity to learn in an active and dynamic research environment. Therefore, we expect interns to be present at the Institute in The Hague. It is not a remote working opportunity.
The Asser Institute cannot offer internships to students without EU citizenship or already in possession of a Dutch residency and work permit. In order to accelerate the selection process, please clearly indicate your relevant visa status or residence permit information in your application.
Read this page on internships at the Asser Institute for more information.
Conditions
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This appointment is for six months. It can be extended for an additional three months subject to positive review.
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Interns at the Asser Institute receive a monthly expense allowance of €441 per month.
How to apply
Interested applicants should send a letter of motivation, a CV, and an academic writing sample in English (all in one PDF document) to PO@asser.nl by Wednesday 18 February 2026, at 23:59 CEST at the latest, indicating ‘Application DTPS Internship’ in the subject line.
Applications received after the deadline, or not including the required three components in PDF (letter of motivation, CV, writing sample) will not be considered eligible.
Individual interviews will be scheduled during the week of 9 March 2026.
Questions about this internship can be addressed in writing to Taylor Woodcock (t.woodcock@asser.nl).