Postdoctoral Researcher in diplomacy and global affairs; fte

The Research group Diplomacy and Global Affairs 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 on Redefining European Security and Defense.

The successful candidate will conduct research on Redefining European Security and Defense 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 Diplomacy and Global Affairs on one of the themes formulated below
• Collect and analyze data on aspects of CSDP development, preparedness in the EU, including citizens’ awareness of emerging threats;
• 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 Diplomacy and Global Affairs research group and other research groups within the Institute, supporting the development and implementation of the Institute’s research strategy.
• Assist in teaching courses in minor, bachelor, and master programmes within the institute, including the MSc in Crisis and Security Management.
• Supervise theses and capstone projects.

• The impact of external shocks and challenges for the development and governance of defence aspects of CSDP
• New threats and the emergence of new approaches to solidarity and mutual assistance among EU member states
• The role of citizens and private actors in boosting preparedness and security
• Public and elite support for CSDP and its various governance structures, including modes of financing.
• The political economy of defence industry in Europe in the context of the European defence industrial strategy and the White Paper on European Defence
• Defence capability development in Europe and European defence industry and the role of public procurement
• The interplay between security and defence and other EU policies such as EU enlargement or energy.

Applicants are expected to have:

• A PhD degree in political science, economics, public administration, law, or a related field relevant to researching and teaching diplomacy and global affairs.
• Demonstrable research experience in various relevant theories (e.g. Institutionalist approaches, decision‑making theories, political economy), European Union policy making, security and defence.
• Solid expertise in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods is considered an asset.
• Specific and up‑to‑date expertise of recent European Union approaches, strategies and key documents would be a plus.
• Outstanding research qualities manifest in a developing 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 European security and defence, 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.

The mission of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) is contributing to society through high‑quality interdisciplinary education and scientific knowledge. FGGA is one of the seven faculties of Leiden University. The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is a scientific institute specialising in security issues, based in The Hague.

Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. We want to devote attention to your personal development and provide:

• An employment contract for the duration of 3 years (initially one year, extendable for two more years if performance is good).
• A salary between €4728 - €6433 gross per month, based on a full‑time…