Post-Doctoral Researcher: Intelligence in the Global South (1,0 FTE)

The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) at Leiden University is looking for a post-doctoral researcher in the field of intelligence in the global south.

Project description

The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) seeks to appoint a full-time post-doctoral researcher to join the Intelligence and Security research group for a period of 24 months at 1,0 FTE (1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027). The position is funded by a grant from The Netherlands’ Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and administered by the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA). The project, ‘Intelligence in the Global South (GLOBALINT)’, is led by Dr. Zakia Shiraz. Additionally, the post-doctoral researcher will maintain a relationship with and be able to draw upon the advice of the co-investigator, Dr. Silvia D’Amato, who is part of the War, Peace and Justice and Terrorism and Political Violence Research Groups.

GLOBALINT asks questions about the evolution and adaptation of intelligence agencies in the global south to shifts in governance and conflict dynamics. It examines shifts in notions of national security, institutional and structural organisation, oversight, and internal and external co-operation across several countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. In doing so, the project aims to provide unique insights into the transformation of intelligence communities to confront a broad range of threats from terrorism to violent conflict to transnational organised crime.

The successful candidate will carry out research and teaching activities at the nexus of intelligence, conflict, and regional security. They will contribute to the project through the development of individual and collaborative research outputs, and support the delivery of BSc, Honours, and MSc-level courses. The position is 80% research and 20% teaching.

What you will do

• Support the initial period of project development, i.e.: identification of data and materials, data collection, organisation of database(s).
• Conduct collaborative research through co-authorship of a journal article and reports (policy-oriented and academic) and develop individual work in the field of intelligence in the global south.
• Publish and present research to academic and professional audiences.
• Support regular project management and coordination.
• Support project conference and associated research networks by organising events, participation, and public speaking.
• Present the project to key stakeholders, such as, national defence institutions, research centres, academics, policymakers, and practitioners working on issues related to intelligence and security.
• Develop teaching skills by (co-)teaching courses and obtaining the basic teaching qualification (BKO).
• Support educational activities in the BSc in Security Studies, FGGA Honours College, and MSc in Crisis and Security Management, including administrative duties, grading, and providing feedback to students.

What you bring

• A PhD (completed before January 2025) in international studies, area studies, intelligence studies, security studies, or other relevant fields.
• Relevant academic publication record (authorship in policy or practitioner fields will also be considered where relevant).
• Relevant qualitative research skills, for example, expert and practitioner interviews, archival research, text/content analysis.
• Ability to travel and conduct fieldwork outside of The Netherlands if necessary.
• Fluency in English is essential (written and spoken). Fluency in other languages, such as, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, or Arabic to support case studies is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrable ability to work independently.

Desirable Assets and Attributes

• Previous experience working on themes of intelligence and security in Africa, Asia, Middle East and/or Latin America.
• Experience with content/text analysis software for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis.
• Previous teaching experience.
• Experience in project management and coordination.
• Experience in writing for and conveying research findings to diverse audiences, for example, general public, academic, policymakers, practitioners.
• Experience in engaging with practitioner networks.

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!

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.

Research Group

The post-doctoral researcher will join the Intelligence and Security Research Group at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA). Our research group is comprised of over a dozen academic researchers and practitioners who share a research interest in Intelligence Studies. Our core teaching activities within ISGA focus upon the Minor in Intelligence Studies and a specialisation track in Intelligence and National Security on the Crisis and Security Management (CSM) MSc programme. We also occasionally contribute to other teaching programmes within ISGA. You can find more information about the research group on the website.

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.

The successful candidate will be part of an ambitious and dynamic team for a period of two years. The gross monthly salary will be between € 4.332 and € 4.786 (scale 11.0-11.3) for a full appointment (1,0 FTE) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

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

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Dr Zakia Shirazvia email: z.shiraz@fgga.leidenuniv.nl. You can apply until 31 July 2024; applications will be processed immediately. The position is to commence in January 2025. A later start date may be possible.

Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents in PDF format, quoting the vacancy number:

• Motivation letter, including your relevant interest and experience in the subject matter and in conducting advanced research (maximum 1 page).
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
• A writing sample (PhD thesis or recent publication).
• A research statement, where you outline a two-year research plan (2025-2027) and potential contribution to the project. This should include a preliminary research design, appropriate data, methodologies, and relevance of the research (maximum 1 page).
• The names and addresses of three potential referees (no actual recommendation letters required at this stage).

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed between early to mid-September. Interviews may be held through an online platform.

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.