Post-doctoral researcher in the field of Terrorism and Political Violence

Institute of Security and Global Affairs of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs together with the International Centre for Counter Terrorism (ICCT) is looking for a Post-doctoral researcher in the field of The Terrorism and Political Violence.

Project description
Leiden University’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is looking for an early post-doctoral researcher to join the research group ‘Terrorism and Political Violence’ (TPV) for a period of 18 months at 1,0 FTE. Note: This position will be seconded for 0.2 FTE with the International Centre for Counter Terrorism (ICCT). This position is made possible by a H2020 ISFP grant from the European Commission, for the project ‘Promoting collaborative Policies of inclusion relating to children of far Right and Islamist parents in Western Europe (PREPARE). The project is led by Dr. Joana Cook. It seeks to fill the knowledge gap related to state-led interventions to manage, support and (as required) rehabilitate, and reintegrate children whose parents are affiliated with violent extremist organizations. The partners in this project include Trilateral Research Limited, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) and the Basque Government – Security Department.

Key responsibilities

• Conducting research (desk research/interviews/field visits);
• Supporting diverse aspects of project development (e.g. methodology, field work);
• Co-authoring papers and reports (policy-oriented and academic);
• Supporting regular project management and coordination amongst the PREPARE consortium;
• Supporting conferences and workshops;
• Represent the project to key stakeholders such as the European Commission, academics, and policymakers/practitioners working on the prevention of extremism, radicalization, and terrorism;
• Support additional ICCT research and other project work on child returnees.

Selection criteria

• A PhD (completed before January 2022) in security studies, war studies, criminology, psychology, social work, or other relevant fields;
• Relevant academic publication record (authorship in policy/ practitioner fields will also be considered);
• Relevant research skills (especially qualitative);
• Fluency in English (written and spoken);
• Demonstrable ability to work in a highly independent manner.

Desirable assets and attributes:

• Practical experience working with children in vulnerable settings;
• Experience in project management and coordination;
• Experience writing for, and conveying research findings to, diverse audiences (general public, policy, practitioner, etc.);
• Familiarity with development of policy and practice;
• Fluency in any of the following languages: Dutch, Spanish, French, Swedish, German or Kosovar;
• Gender-/cultural/age-sensitive approaches to research.

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.

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. The approach to issues of security is glocal, that is to say that the local, national, transnational, and global impact is studied and analysed in conjunction with each other. ISGA operates from The Hague, the third major city of the Netherlands, centre of national governance and International City of Peace, Justice and Security.

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.

Terms and conditions
We offer a fulltime, 38 hours per week, appointment for 18 months, starting 1 January 2022. Salary range from € 2,836.- to € 4,747.- gross per month, pay scale 10, 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 %). Our individual choices model gives you some freedom 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, see the website.

Dual Career Programme
Leiden University offers a Dual Career Programme (DCP) to assist the life partners of new academic staff (on pay-roll) in finding employment in The Netherlands. The programme is offered in close cooperation with nearby universities of Delft and Rotterdam (Erasmus).

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 Dr. Joana Cook, email j.l.i.cook@fgga.leidenuniv.nl.

Applications
Please submit online your application no later than 27 September 2021 via the blue button in our application system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents in PDF format:

• Motivation letter;
• Curriculum vitae including a list of publications;
• A copy of your completed PhD degree (or a supervisor declaration that the PhD thesis is deemed defendable);
• The names and contact details of three potential referees (no actual recommendation letters required at this stage).

Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.