Researcher on Legitimacy of Intelligence Agencies in Europe

Are you eager to delve into the 20th/21st century political history of intelligence agencies? Have you recently completed your Master’s degree (or are close to doing so) and aspire to write an academic article under expert supervision? Don’t miss this exciting opportunity and apply now for a 10-month research position!

Your job
Since 2001, intelligence and security services in liberal democracies have acquired more financial means and powers, they have incorporated more bureaucratic organizations and actors, and they produce an increasing amount of classified information. Yet, democratic secrecy remains paradoxical: modern state secrecy evokes associations with authoritarianism and corruption rather than democracy. Such associations are at the heart of recurring, sweeping crises of legitimacy of intelligence communities. Why is state secrecy more legitimate in certain circumstances than in others? Why are some intelligence agencies in Europe associated with authoritarianism and corruption, while others are politically and societally legitimate?

Your research will focus on historically constructed, unintended, or social responses to intelligence and state secrecy. In doing so, you will critically examine the contemporary assumption that only more and better intelligence accountability mechanisms, such as independent review committees, will rationally ‘compensate’ for the paradoxical place of secrecy in democracies.

This position is part of a project funded by the Dutch Research Council exploring differences in the legitimacy of European intelligence agencies. As a researcher, you will independently author a research article, either under the supervision of or in collaboration with project leader Eleni Braat. While you have the freedom to choose the topic of your article, it should align with the scope of the Dutch Research Council project.

Do you have a compelling research topic in mind that you would like to develop into an article? We invite you to apply for this fully-funded 10-month position.

• A temporary position for ten months.
• A working week of 24 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,872 and €3,058 in the case of full-time employment (job profile Research Officer (Onderwijs & Onderzoeksmedewerker 5) salary scale 6 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus.
• A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city centre of Utrecht, where the faculty is located, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

For more information about his position please contact Eleni Braat at e.c.braat@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.