Vacancy number: 16703
Job type: Academic staff
Contract hours min: 38
Contract hours max: 40
Location: The Hague
Applying is possible up to and including: 28 augustus 2026
Apply now
The ‘Intelligence and Security’ research group at the Institute for Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) at Leiden University invites applications for an Assistant Professor.
We are particularly interested in candidates whose research engages with intelligence or fields relevant to intelligence, broadly understood. We welcome candidates whose work is primarily located in fields such as intelligence studies, security studies, international relations, area studies, and adjacent disciplines, and whose research can be brought into dialogue with the study of intelligence and security. We aim to further develop the study of intelligence through engagement with broader disciplinary, methodological and regional perspectives.
The candidate will be expected to teach across several programmes in the Institute, primarily in the “Intelligence and Security track” of the Master’s programme Crisis and Security Management and our Minor in Intelligence Studies, but also in the Bachelor programme Security Studies and, if possible, in the Dutch-taught Bachelor programme Cybersecurity and Cybercrime or executive teaching modules. 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.
What you will do
- Develop and teach courses in intelligence and security studies at Bachelor’s and Master’s level;
- Conduct independent research on topics related to the vacancy
- 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 work reflects ISGA’s multidisciplinary nature and engages with a broad range of question related to intelligence and security in Europe and beyond.
We conduct research on the politics, governance and organisation of intelligence and security in democratic and authoritarian contexts; the legal, ethical and societal norms shaping these practices; and the methodological and technological challenges and opportunities in the production, analysis and dissemination of intelligence in the contemporary information environment. We further engage questions related to covert influence, (nuclear) weapons proliferation, intelligence cooperation and the role of alliances in international relations.
Within this group, we are looking for someone with complementary expertise who can work independently. Complementarity may take different forms and can relate to the candidate’s primary empirical focus, methodological approach, or thematic expertise.
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 a field relevant for the topical focus, such as Security or Conflict Studies, Criminology, Political Science, Public Administration, International Relations, Psychology, Law;
- Demonstrable research experience engaging with intelligence or intelligence-related questions, broadly understood;
- 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;
- 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 fluency in Dutch within two years;
- Demonstrable command of a diversity of research methods and techniques;
- Growing network of academics and professionals;
- 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 appointment.
You live and are officially registered as resident in The Netherlands or are willing to relocate upon starting the position.
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 € 4.728,- and a maximum of € 7.297,- gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale 11 or 12, based on your level of experience);
- 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 value
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]" href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_self">[email protected]. This vacancy is open up to and including August 28, 2026, but we will process applications immediately. This means the position may also be filled sooner.
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.
- You live and are officially registered as resident in The Netherlands or are willing to relocate upon starting the position.
- 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
