Assistant Professor in Security Studies; FTE

Assistant Professor in Security Studies (0,8 - 1 FTE)

Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Applying is possible up to and including 28 augustus 2026.

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.

• 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.

The mission of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) is to contribute 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  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.

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.

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 questions related to intelligence and security in Europe and beyond.

We conduct research on the…