Security of software systems has emerged as a critical societal need, yet too often we hear about failures in functioning, hacks or privacy-related problems. We think it is more sensible to understand and fix these issues during the development time and prevent problems, rather than later, when the system becomes accessible to the users and can cause real damage.

Security is not only a technical concept. It emerges from an interplay of many technical and non-technical factors, such as human behavior, privacy and organisational aspects. For that reason, we aim to create a methodology for developing secure systems in the Cyber Security by Integrated Design (C-SIDe) project. This methodology will allow organisations to have a better view on security of the products they create. To facilitate adoption of security-by-design, we will also work on identifying opportunities to improve the public cyber security policy aiming to support companies working on secure-by-design products. A multitude of stakeholders will work together in this project, including experts in psychology, privacy, and governance and risk management.

Key responsibilities
You will be developing the conceptual framework that will lie at the basis of the methodology of Cyber Security by Integrated Design (C-SIDe) and support four PhD candidates in the C-SIDe project to start the interdisciplinary work on the C-SIDe methodology. You are expected to disseminate research findings through high-ranking international blind peer review journals, books, whitepapers, conference presentations, policy reports, policy advise and (inter)national popular media. You are expected to assist in organising academic conferences and workshops in close cooperation with the C-SIDe team and to represent the C-SIDe project at national and international events and engage in consultations with other stakeholders in the field of cyber security.

Prospective candidates have a PhD in philosophy, security or another field with direct relevance for the interdisciplinary research carried out within the research group Cyber Security Governance. We expect candidates to have extensive knowledge of the field of cyber security, with a solid track record of (peer-reviewed) public research on the topic. Prospective candidates have a multidisciplinary background or experience with working in multi- or interdisciplinary teams and relevant experience in organizing (academic) events for smaller and larger groups. We are looking for team players with very good communication and presentation skills, an excellent command of English and a ‘can do’ mentality.

The successful candidate will initially be appointed for one year with the possibility of renewal with one more year. Salary range from € 2.790,- to € 5.127,- gross per month (pay scale 10 or 11 in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities). The position is envisaged to commence in September 2021.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), and training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Leiden University

Science for and about society is the domain of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA). FGGA provides high-quality interdisciplinary education and research on social and governance issues such as terrorism, organisation of public administration, climate change and economic crises. Contemporary issues are approached from an administrative, political, economic, legal and sociological perspective. This interdisciplinary approach gives the faculty's education and research a cross-border character. The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) is one of the seven faculties of Leiden University and is based in The Hague. The FGGA is a young, enterprising and innovative organisation that is growing rapidly. The faculty has three scientific institutes, two centres, 3500 students and 330 staff members. For more information see the website of the Faculty Governance and Global Affairs.

The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is a scientific institute that focuses on multidisciplinary research and education within the international scientific field of security studies. ISGA analyses and studies issues in a coherent way from their local transnational and global impact. ISGA operates from The Hague, the third major city of the Netherlands, centre of national governance and International City of Peace, Justice and Security. See also here.vv