Postdoctoral Researcher in Intelligence and Security (0.8-1.0 fte)

The Intelligence and Security Research Group at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher (1.0 fte, 36-month position) with research and teaching expertise in intelligence and security. Our group examines intelligence organisations and practices not only in their own right but as instruments that shape governance, legitimacy, and power. Intelligence and security communities operate amid overlapping crises –geopolitical instability and democratic pressures to information manipulation, emerging technologies, and systemic risks. These dynamics are reshaping how intelligence organisations anticipate threats, collaborate with partners, and contribute to governance. We welcome research projects that use intelligence as a lens to understand political and social transformation in an era of complexity and uncertainty. We particularly encourage interdisciplinary and methodologically innovative proposals that connect intelligence studies with broader phenomena and disciplines.

What you will do
The successful candidate will conduct research aligned with the agenda of the Intelligence and Security Research Group and assist with teaching across several programs within the institute, including the MSc in Crisis and Security Management.

Conduct independent and collaborative research with the research group on one or more of the following topics:

• Anticipatory Intelligence and Systemic Risk: How do intelligence organisations anticipate and manage complex, cascading risks under uncertainty? How can analytic and organisational methods contribute to the governance of risk and resilience?
• Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI): How do intelligence and political systems adapt to information disorder? Possible directions include comparative analyses of FIMI responses in democracies and autocracies, cooperation with private and civil actors, and the governance of truth in contested information environments.
• Transnational Repression (TNR): How and why do states project and counter coercion, surveillance, and influence beyond their borders? Directions include comparative analyses of national TNR practices, from surveillance to coercion via criminal and extremist networks, and assessments of state responses.
• Other promising research ideas that align with the group’s focus.
• Collect and analyze data on one or several of the topics mentioned above.
• Produce high-quality co-authored outputs for both academic and non-academic audiences, with a focus on international, peer-reviewed journals.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team across the Intelligence and Security research group and other research groups within the Institute, supporting the development and implementation of the Institute’s research strategy.
• Assist in teaching and grading within courses in minor, bachelor and master programs within the institute, including the MSc in Crisis and Security Management.
• Supervise theses and capstone projects.

Our priority is to hire an excellent candidate who can contribute to the Intelligence and Security Research Group by enhancing and complementing its research agenda, while also assisting in teaching. This opportunity will help the candidate prepare for the next step in their academic career.

If you recognize yourself in this profile, or do not quite meet all the requirements but believe this is the right job for you, please do apply. We look forward to your application.

Where you will work
The mission of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) is contributing to society. The faculty does this through high-quality interdisciplinary education and (new) scientific knowledge. Whether it is terrorism, security, artificial intelligence or a governance solution to the housing crisis, contemporary issues are comprehensively addressed at FGGA. In the heart of The Hague, where important decisions are made, students and professionals come together to gain knowledge and skills. There is much collaboration with academic and societal partners, which ensures that students leave university with a smile and one foot in the future, ready to make a substantial contribution to society.

FGGA is one of the seven faculties of Leiden University. This young, entrepreneurial, innovative organisation has three scientific institutes, two centres, over 3,700 students and 425 staff members. For more information about the faculty, click here.

The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is a scientific institute specialising in security issues. ISGA is part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs of Leiden University. ISGA analyses and studies security issues with local, national, transnational and global impact. These include crises, intelligence, terrorism, war, violence and cybercrime. The institute is characterised by a multidisciplinary research approach.

ISGA is based in the residential city of The Hague, the international city of peace, justice and security. Inspiring interactions are maintained with other knowledge institutions, regional, national and international governments, the private sector and NGOs.

What you bring
In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently. Every job is different, so in the beginning we will devote attention to your onboarding. If some of the work activities are new to you, we will look together at what you need, and draw up a development plan. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:

Applicants are expected to have:

• A PhD degree in political science, international relations, psychology, sociology, communication science, law, or a related field relevant to the study of intelligence and security (e.g. security studies, war studies, etc.).
• Outstanding research qualities demonstrated in a developing and promising publication record.
• Experience with research-led teaching is considered an asset.
• Demonstrable passion for education, both inside and outside the classroom.
• Commitment to fostering a close-knit, interdisciplinary academic community.
• Experience with diverse research methods and techniques.
• A growing network of academics and professionals in the field of intelligence and security, both domestically and internationally.
• Ability to connect academic research to policy and societal impact.
• Excellent command of English, with the ability and willingness to work towards Dutch language proficiency. Current proficiency in Dutch is considered an asset.

What we offer
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.
We offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of 3 years. The contract is entered into for the duration of one year and can be extended with another two years if performance is good and the organizational circumstances remain unchanged. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary of a minimum of € 4728,- and a maximum of € 6433,- gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale 11);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription or bicycle scheme.
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• The successful candidate must live in The Netherlands prior to the start of contract.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

What we find important
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organization is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research mean inclusive education and research.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Dr. Damien van Puyvelde, at d.t.n.van.puyvelde@fgga.leidenuniv.nl. You can apply until 15 februari 2026; You will receive a response to your application no later than two weeks after the vacancy closing date.

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

• In choosing between candidates, in case of equal suitability, preference will be given to internal candidates, women, the occupationally disabled and employees with a migration background.
• A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
• We ensure that our lecturers have a good level of English competency. Lectures who teach subjects in English have a minimum level of C1 for their English proficiency. We also believe it is important for international staff to have a good level of Dutch: they are expected to have at least C1 level of Dutch proficiency. Other staff who have the prospect of a permanent position are expected to have at least a passive understanding of Dutch.
• Leiden University expects faculty members to obtain the Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO). If the new employee does not yet hold this qualification or its equivalent, they must be willing to obtain it within two years.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid