Assistant Professor with expertise on the societal impact of (counter)terrorism

Project description

This position is situated within Leiden University’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA), part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) and based in The Hague. The appointment is specifically within ‘Terrorism and Political Violence’ (TPV), one of the research groups at the heart of ISGA. TPV is among the few dedicated European centres for research on terrorism and related subjects such as radicalization, (online) extremism and political violence more broadly. Over the coming years, TPV aims to continue conducting internationally recognized research and high-quality teaching for both students and professionals.

Key responsibilities
The Institute seeks to expand its academic staff by appointing an assistant professor with a specialisation in terrorism and political violence. To further strengthen TPV’s ability to study terrorism and counterterrorism from a variety of analytical and disciplinary perspectives, we are specifically and exclusively looking for candidates with a focus on the societal impact of terrorism and counterterrorism. How do citizens respond to terrorist violence? Can reciprocal dynamics be identified that extend societies’ exposure to political violence? How do different audiences commemorate attacks and their victims? Candidates who can demonstrate an ability to develop research and funding proposals as well as courses for both students and professionals on these and related subjects are especially encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Develop and teach courses related to terrorism and political violence as well as security studies more broadly, to students from a diversity of academic backgrounds;
• Conduct independent research on topics related to terrorism and political violence and support the ongoing development and implementation of the research strategy of the Institute;
• Participate in professional-learning courses to maximize the societal impact of academic research and ensure its relevance beyond the academy;
• Engage in the public debate on terrorism and political violence;
• Continue to build an (inter)national network that spans both academics and policymakers and practitioners working on topics related to terrorism and political violence;
• Supervise thesis and capstone projects;
• Tutor students by providing mentoring and advice;
• Acquire and manage research funding and/or training projects from third-party sources, such as the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) or the European Union;
• Actively contribute to the renewal and ongoing improvement of educational practices at Bachelor’s and Master’s level.

Selection criteria

• PhD degree in Political Science, Criminology, Psychology, International Relations, Sociology, History, Public Administration, Law or another field with direct relevance for the interdisciplinary research carried out within the research group Terrorism and Political Violence;
• Specific expertise on responses to terrorism, threat perceptions, counterterrorism policies;
• Outstanding research qualities manifest in an established publication record;
• Demonstrable excellence in research-led teaching, both to students and executives;
• Demonstrable passion for education, in and out of the classroom (experience with blended learning technologies is a plus);
• Demonstrable commitment to a close-knit, interdisciplinary academic community;
• Excellent contributions to the professional and public debate on terrorism and political violence;
• Excellent network in the world of professionals in the field of security and global affairs, counter-terrorism and /or safety and justice;
• Excellent command of English;
• Command of Dutch is not a requirement but will be seen as a benefit.

Our organisation
The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) offers academic education in the field of Public Administration, Safety and Security, and International Relations, as well as in-depth post-academic programmes for professionals. In addition, the Faculty is also home to Leiden University College. For more information about the Faculty, see the website.

The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is a scientific institute that focuses on multidisciplinary research and education within the international field of security studies. ISGA operates from The Hague, centre of national and international governance and City of Peace, Justice and Security.

Terms and conditions
We offer a fulltime (38 hours per week) position with a preferred start date of 1 August 2021 or shortly after. The appointment will initially be for one year, with the possibility and intention to turn the position into a permanent one, based on funding and performance. The salary varies, depending on qualifications and experience, from € 3.746,- to € 5.127,- gross per month based on full-time employment (pay scale 11 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If the successful applicant does not already possess this qualification or its equivalent, he/ she must be willing to obtain this Qualification within two years.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. 

Information
Enquiries can be made to Bart Schuurman, email b.w.schuurman@fgga.leidenuniv.nl.

Applications
Please submit online your application no later than 25 May 2021 via the blue button in our application system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents in PDF format, quoting the vacancy number:

• Motivation letter;
• Curriculum vitae including a list of publications;
• A sample publication in English;
• The names and addresses of three potential referees (please do not submit reference letters at this stage).

Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.