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

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The Institute of Security and Global Affairs of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs is looking for:

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

Project description
Leiden University’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is looking for up to two post-doctoral researchers to join the research group ‘Terrorism and Political Violence’ (TPV) for a period of 5 months at 1,0 FTE (1 February to 31 June 2024). This position is funded by a Horizon 2020 grant from the European Commission under the project ‘Determining multi-level led causes and testing intervention design to reduce radicalisation, extremism, and political violence in north-western Europe through social inclusion (DRIVE)’. The project is led by Professor Tahir Abbas and ends on 31 June 2024. It aims to determine the role of social exclusion in the radicalisation of individuals and groups rooted in and around far right and Islamist milieus in Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. In doing so, it explores multi-level understandings of radicalisation relating to identity, local lived experiences, the changing nature of generations within contexts, and the wider concerns of political polarisation leading to cumulative forms of radical sentiment and extremist thought. The early post-doctoral researcher will support the final phase of the project for a period of 5-months.

Key responsibilities

• Supporting the final period of project development (e.g., data analysis, identification of themes and key findings, final reporting);
• Co-authoring papers and reports (policy-oriented and academic);
• Supporting regular project management and coordination amongst the DRIVE consortium;
• Supporting conferences and workshops (organisation, participation, public speaking);
• Representing the project to key stakeholders such as the European Commission, academics, and policymakers and practitioners working on the prevention of extremism, radicalization, and terrorism.

Selection criteria

• A PhD (completed before January 2024) in terrorism and political violence, security studies, psychology, social work, or other relevant fields;
• Relevant academic publication record (authorship in policy or 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 on themes of radicalisation, CVE, and social exclusion;
• Experience in project management and coordination;
• Experience writing for and conveying research findings to diverse audiences (general public, policy, practitioners, etc.);
• Familiarity with the development of policy and practice;
• Gender-, cultural-, and age-sensitive approaches to research.

Our organisation
The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) offers academic education in the fields 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. 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. For more information on ISGA , see the website.

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 appointment, 38 hours per week for 5 months, starting 1 February 2024. The salary varies, depending on qualifications and experience, from € 3.226,- to € 5.090.- gross per month, salary 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.

Diversity
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision 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
Enquiries can be made to Professor. Tahir Abbas, email [email protected] .

Applications
Please submit online your application no later than 24 January 2024 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.

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