The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) aims to appoint one Assistant Professor with specialisation in Intelligence and Security.
The successful candidate will have demonstrable research expertise in themes related to the vacancy and a strong teaching background in intelligence and security, or a related field, as well as in topics related to the Institute’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programme offerings. The candidate will be expected to teach across several programmes in the Institute, notably the Master’s programme Crisis and Security Management, the Bachelor programme Security Studies, and our Minor in Intelligence Studies. The position is aimed at strengthening the Institute’s teaching, research and grant-acquisition capacities in a phase of continuing growth and exciting interdisciplinary research opportunities.
The successful applicants will be expected to:
- Develop and teach courses in Intelligence and Security Studies;
- Conduct independent research on topics related to Intelligence and Security Studies;
- Generate high-quality output in both academic and non-academic outlets, with a focus on international, peer-reviewed journals;
- Actively contribute to the renewal and ongoing improvement of educational practices at Bachelor’s and Master’s level;
- Work within a multidisciplinary team of colleagues and support the development and implementation of the research strategy of the Institute;
- Supervise thesis and capstone projects;
- Take on administrative and coordination tasks within the Institute and beyond;
- Acquire external funding and manage research and training projects.
Where you will work
The mission of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA)? 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
The Intelligence and Security research group is the largest group of its kind in Europe. Our approach reflects ISGA’s multidisciplinary nature, and leverages political, historical, psychological, ethical, legal, and methodological perspectives. Research on intelligence and security should contribute to academic knowledge, inform public debate and support the development of professional practice. We conduct research on the politics, governance and management of intelligence and security, the legal, ethical and societal norms that affect intelligence and security, and the role of intelligence and security in international relations. We are keen to link the study of intelligence and security to broader disciplinary and interdisciplinary debates.
Within this group, we are looking for someone with complementary expertise 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:
- PhD degree in the broad fields of International Relations, History, Political Science, Public Administration, Psychology, Law or any field that is relevant to teaching and researching intelligence and security issues;
- Demonstrable research experience at the interface between Intelligence and Security Studies and any of the wider disciplines mentioned above;
- Outstanding research qualities manifest in an established or developing publication record that includes publications in international peer-reviewed journals;
- Demonstrable excellence in research-led teaching;
- Demonstrable passion for education, in and out of the classroom;
- Ability to teach across a variety of security-related themes and topics so that they can contribute to teaching programmes at the institute beyond our offerings in intelligence studies (e.g. crisis governance, cybersecurity, war and peace, etc.);
- Demonstrable commitment to a close-knit, interdisciplinary academic community;
- Excellent command of English; fluency in Dutch is considered an asset. You have the willingness to master a B1 level of fluency in Dutch within two years;
- Demonstrable command of a diversity of research methods and techniques;
- Growing network of academics and professionals in the field of Intelligence and Security Studies, both domestically and internationally;
- Ability to connect academic research to policy-oriented and societal impact;
- Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualifications (UTQ) within two years of joining;
- You live and are officially registered as resident in The Netherlands or are willing to relocate upon starting the position.
If you immediately recognise yourself in this profile, or if do you not quite meet all the requirements, but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!
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, as well as maintain a healthy work-life balance.
You will be working as a part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, located in The Hague – the International City of Peace and Justice. Firmly rooted in the academic tradition, the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs provides an inspiring and challenging education and research environment, with a strong interdisciplinary character and international orientation; it is a meeting place for students, scholars and professionals, a platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.
We also offer:
- An employment contract for the duration of one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
- A salary of a minimum of €4728 and a maximum of €7297 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale 11 or 12);
- A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
- Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
- 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 a sabbatical or 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, and we also offer child-care options;
- 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.
For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions
What we find important
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 means inclusive education and research.
Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents in PDF format, quoting the vacancy number:
- Motivation letter (2 pages maximum);
- Curriculum vitae including a list of publications;
- A sample publication;
- The names and addresses of three potential referees.
If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact the chair of the search committee: Dr. Damien Van Puyvelde – Head of the Intelligence and Security Research Group – via [email protected] . You can apply until 30 September 2025; applications will be processed immediately.
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/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden
- We believe mobility is very important. That is why we are also publishing this vacancy internally. In case of equal suitability, we will give priority to the internal candidate.
- A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
- Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.
