PhD candidate in the field of Terrorism and Political Violence

The Institute of Security and Global Affairs of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs is looking for a PhD candidate in the field of Terrorism and Political Violence.

Project description
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.

The institute seeks to expand its academic staff by appointing a PhD candidate who will pursue a degree specifically within the field of terrorism and political violence. To serve the institute’s educational needs and help the candidate develop the teaching skills critical to an academic career, the position includes a 25% teaching-oriented component. The PhD track will focus on publications through articles rather than a monograph. Professor Edwin Bakker will be the promotor, with dr. Bart Schuurman acting as co-promotor (daily supervisor).

Key responsibilities

• Obtain a PhD by publishing four articles in leading journals on terrorism and political violence within a four-year timeframe;
• Develop teaching-related skills by (co-)teaching courses, engaging in thesis supervision and obtaining the basic teaching qualification (BKO);
• Present their work to both academic and professional audiences;
• Contribute when applicable to the public debate on terrorism and political violence;
• Be able to work in an highly independent, organized and result-oriented fashion;
• Demonstrate good time-management skills;
• Build an (inter)national network that spans both academics and policymakers/practitioners working on topics related to terrorism and political violence;
• Actively participate in discussions at Institute and Research Group level on research and teaching innovation.

Selection criteria

• Master’s 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 field of terrorism and political violence;
• Demonstrable ability and enthusiasm for research (e.g. high grade for Master’s thesis, publications);
• Excellent command of English;
• Academic publications will be seen as a plus;
• Command of Dutch will be seen as a plus.

Our organisation
The Faculty Governance and Global Affairs offers academic education in the field of Public Administration and international relations, as well as in-depth post-academic programmes for professionals. In addition, the FGGA is also home to a number of education and research centres in the field of governance, global affairs, international law, and (inter) national security, as well as the Leiden University College. More information: Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs.

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. More information: Institute of Security and Global Affairs.

Terms and conditions
The position starts as soon as possible, preferably by 1 January 2020. The appointment will be made initially on a temporary one-year contract. Depending upon performance, the position will be extended for an additional three years up to a total of four. Salary range from €2,325.- in the first year to €2,972.- in the fourth year, gross per month (pay scale P, 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. More information: Job application procedure and employment conditions.

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 by the 4th year of their contract.

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

Information
The contact person for this vacancy is dr. Bart Schuurman, email b.w.schuurman@fgga.leidenuniv.nl, telephone +31 70 800 9347.

Applications
Please submit online your application no later than 23 October 2019.

Prospective candidates need to demonstrate a clear affinity with research on terrorism and political violence and a strong desire to help advance the boundaries of academic knowledge. The topical focus is left open so that candidates have the freedom to present the subjects they believe will make a serious contribution both academically as well as societally. The following points should be reflected in all applications:

• A clear description of the topic’s academic merit and how it will move the state of the art forward;
• A clear articulation of the topic’s broader societal relevance. How can your proposed study help (non-)governmental agencies help prevent, detect and respond to terrorism-related threats? How will it inform the broader debates on these issues?
• Concrete ideas on how to present research outcomes to a diverse range of audiences including students as well as counterterrorism policymakers and professionals and the broader public;
• An initial timeline for the project that demonstrates its feasibility and leads to four publications in recognized academic journals on terrorism and political violence.

Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents in PDF format:

• Motivation letter;
• Research idea that clearly states the topic, question academic and societal relevance as well as a timetable and an indication of potential journals for the four articles to be published in pursuit of the degree (max 2.500 words total, excluding references); 
• Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications;
• A sample publication (if applicable);
• The names and contact details of three potential referees (no actual recommendation letters required at this stage).

Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.