Postdoctoral researcher on Legitimate COVID-19 Crisis Governance in Europe

The Institute of Public Administration, Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, has a vacancy for a Postdoctoral researcher on Legitimate COVID-19 Crisis Governance in Europe (1,0 fte), Vacancy number: 22-355.

Horizon2020 project: Legitimate crisis governance in multi-level systems (LEGITIMULT)

The Institute of Public Administration at Leiden University is hiring a post-doctoral researcher to conduct research on legitimate COVID-19 crisis governance in Europe, as part of an international Horizon2020 project.

Measures taken to manage and mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic by public authorities present substantial challenges to democratic governance – in Europe and beyond. The Horizon2020 project aims to sharpen the concept of legitimate crisis governance, as legitimacy is crucial in crisis situations to maintain democratic norms and prevent social fragmentation. The project attempts to understand a) who decides (actor-perspective), b) how they reach decisions (process perspective), and c) how different actors and processes within and across countries interact to shape transnational crisis governance (intergovernmental relations perspective). Looking at Covid-19 measures through the prism of Multilevel Governance will allow us to assess the legitimacy of crisis governance and learn lessons for future crises.

The Institute of Public Administration of Leiden University is one of 11 international partners in this Horizon2020 project. Leiden researchers are responsible for the Work Package on Crisis Governance whose central question is “What trade-offs in different elements of democracy are needed in order to ensure legitimate crisis governance?” The research at Leiden University will develop the project’s core conceptual toolkit on ‘legitimate crisis governance’ by (1) examining and reviewing existing literatures, (2) conducting qualitative small-n studies, and (3) co-building models for the quantitative analyses.

Our team consists of three researchers, interested in political and societal events, with a commitment to scientific rigor in research. We support postdocs in developing their own ideas and research lines, and we offer opportunities to gain teaching and grant writing experience. 

The key responsibilities of the postdoc researcher are:

• Coordinating and conducting research in a European Horizon2020 consortium;
• Submitting research results for publication in academic journals;
• Presenting papers at international conferences and meetings of the consortium;
• Actively disseminating research findings and engaging stakeholders in research activities; 
• Organizing and participating in seminars, workshops and conferences of the programme

Selection Criteria

• A PhD in public administration, political science, political economy, public health, sociology or another discipline that is relevant for the Institute of Public Administration; 
  Excellent research qualities demonstrated by, for example, (international) publications; 
• Experience with designing and implementing comparative qualitative analysis, proficiency with quantitative analyses is desirable;  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and the ability to effectively communicate with external audiences; 
• Superb interpersonal skills and the ability to work constructively in a team.

Our faculty and institute
Science for and about society is the domain of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA). FGGA provides high-quality interdisciplinary education and research on social and governance issues such as terrorism, organisation of public administration, climate change and economic crises.

Contemporary issues are approached from an administrative, political, economic, legal and sociological perspective. This interdisciplinary approach gives the faculty's education and research a cross-border character. 

The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) is one of the seven faculties of Leiden University and is based in The Hague.

The FGGA is a young, enterprising and innovative organisation that is growing rapidly. The faculty has three scientific institutes, two centres, 3500 students and 330 staff members. 

The Institute of Public Administration in The Hague is one of the largest and oldest institutions for scientific research and education in public administration in the Netherlands. It combines a strong international academic reputation with a central position among international, national, regional and local government institutions, including those in The Hague. The institute has received various national and international research grants including several VENI and VIDI grants from the Dutch National Science Organization, and grants for collaborative work from the EU (including ERC grants). In addition, the staff is also active in contract-research and teaching, which involves local and national government but also other public organizations from within Europe. The Institute of Public Administration consistently receives high ratings in peer reviews for both its teaching and research programmes.

Terms & conditions

• We offer a full-time 24 month position at 1.0 fte (38 hours per week). 
• Salary range from € 2.846,- to € 4.490,- gross per month for a full-time position (scale 10), in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary scale depends on education and experience.
• Start date: 1 September 2022.
• Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-  of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you flexibility to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
• For more information on the terms and conditions of employment, click here.

Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information
For general information about the content of this position, please contact Kutsal Yesilkagit (a.k.yesilkagit@fgga.leidenuniv.nl)

Applications

Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button in our application system.

• A cover letter stating your motivation for this position;
• A curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications; 
• A publication (or working paper); 
• At this stage, it is not necessary to submit references or recommendation letters.

Only applications received before 21 June 2022 will be considered.

The selection procedure will take place in June – July 2022. 

Direct applications only, no agencies please.