Postdoctoral Researcher in terrorism and political violence; fte

Postdoctoral Researcher in terrorism and political violence (1.0fte)

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

Applying is possible until: 15 februari 2026

The Research group Terrorism and Political Violence 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 emerging (non-) state threats to European security.

The successful candidate will conduct research on terrorism and political violence 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 Terrorism and Political Violence on topics related to hostile state interference, political violence, disinformation, or (counter-)terrorism.
• Collect and analyze data on one or several of the topics mentioned above.
• 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 Terrorism and Political Violence 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 programs within the institute, including the MSc in Crisis and Security Management.
• Supervise theses and capstone projects.

Our priority is to hire an excellent candidate who can contribute to the research of the research group Terrorism and Political Violence by enhancing and complementing the research agenda of the group, while also assisting in teaching. This opportunity will help the candidate prepare for the next step in their academic career.

The position offers a unique opportunity to conduct research on how evolving technologies, the rise of new threat actors, and shifting modes of operation are reshaping threats related to radicalization, extremism and political violence in Europe.

Possible lines of inquiry include, but are not limited to:

• Hostile state interference in Europe as conducted by Russia, China, Iran and others.
• The use of new and emerging technologies, such as drones or AI, by criminals, terrorists and hostile states.
• The role of disinformation and conspiracy theories in shaping citizens’ security perceptions and how states might counter such influences.
• How radicalization and political violence related to climate change can directly or indirectly affect European states’ security.
• The emergence of contemporary forms of extremism and terrorism.

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  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, .

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,…