Postdoctoral Researcher in diplomacy and global affairs; fte

Postdoctoral Researcher in diplomacy and global affairs (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 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 conditions, constraints, and processes affecting security and preparedness in the European Union and further development of the Common Security and Defense policy (CSDP).

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 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 Diplomacy and Global Affairs 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.

Post doctoral research under this broad theme will focus on one or several of the following aspects:

• 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.

In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently. 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.

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 defense.
• 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…