Leiden University, Netherlands, has invited applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Security and the Rule of Law at its Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA), based in The Hague.
The university is looking for candidates with a PhD in law, security studies, international relations, political science, public administration, cybersecurity or a related discipline. The position involves teaching, academic research and participation in interdisciplinary projects concerning security and the rule of law.
The selected candidate will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from €4,925 to €6,682, based on a full-time appointment of 38 hours per week.
The last date to apply is 27 November 2026.
About Leiden University
Leiden University is a research university in the Netherlands with a long history of teaching and academic research. It offers programmes across disciplines such as law, governance, international relations, humanities, science and social sciences.
The university has academic facilities in Leiden and The Hague.
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Explore Our Services →The advertised position is based at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs, which forms part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs.
About the Institute of Security and Global Affairs
The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) conducts interdisciplinary research and teaching on security, safety and global challenges.
Its academic work covers subjects including crises, intelligence, terrorism, war, violence and cybercrime.
The institute brings together researchers from different academic backgrounds to examine security-related problems and their implications for governments, institutions and society.
ISGA is located in The Hague, a city known for its international legal and governance institutions.
The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs has three scientific institutes, two centres, more than 3,700 students and approximately 425 staff members, according to the recruitment information.
About the Assistant Professor Vacancy
Leiden University is recruiting an Assistant Professor with research and teaching expertise in security and the rule of law.
The successful candidate will contribute to several academic programmes offered by ISGA.
These include the BA Security Studies, MSc Crisis and Security Management and the institute’s minor programmes.
The university is particularly interested in candidates who can teach across different security-related subjects and contribute to the wider academic activities of the institute.
The position combines teaching, independent research, academic supervision and administrative responsibilities.
Roles and Responsibilities
Teaching and Curriculum Development
The selected candidate will develop and teach courses relating to security studies and the rule of law.
Teaching responsibilities will cover Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.
The Assistant Professor will also contribute to improving teaching methods, course content and educational practices.
The position includes student mentoring and academic advising through the university’s tutorial system.
Academic Research and Publications
The successful candidate will conduct independent research on subjects connected with security and the rule of law.
The university expects high-quality academic publications, particularly in international peer-reviewed journals.
The candidate will also be encouraged to publish research findings through non-academic outlets where appropriate.
Research that contributes to public policy and wider societal discussions is an important part of the position.
Research Supervision
The Assistant Professor will supervise student theses and capstone projects.
The role involves supporting students in developing research questions, conducting academic investigations and preparing written research work.
Research Projects and Institutional Responsibilities
The selected candidate will participate in multidisciplinary research activities and contribute to the institute’s research strategy.
The position also includes acquiring and managing externally funded research and training projects.
Administrative and coordination responsibilities will form part of the appointment.
Educational Qualifications
Applicants must possess a PhD degree in a discipline relevant to security studies.
The university has specifically identified the following academic backgrounds as relevant:
Law, security studies, cybersecurity, international relations, policy studies, political science and public administration.
Candidates holding a PhD in another related discipline may also be considered if their research and teaching expertise is relevant to the position.
Research and Teaching Requirements
Candidates should have demonstrable research experience in security studies and an interest in interdisciplinary academic work.
Applicants must possess strong research capabilities, supported by an established or developing publication record.
The university is seeking candidates with experience in research-led teaching and a commitment to academic education.
Applicants should be familiar with different research methods and techniques.
The ability to connect academic research with policy questions and societal concerns is also expected.
Candidates should have a developing network of academic researchers and professionals working in security and rule-of-law-related fields.
Leiden University has indicated that applicants who do not meet every listed requirement but consider themselves suitable are still encouraged to apply.
Language Requirements
Applicants must possess an excellent command of English.
The successful candidate must also be willing to develop Dutch language proficiency.
Existing knowledge of Dutch will be considered an advantage.
Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ), in accordance with its applicable requirements.
Salary and Employment Benefits
The Assistant Professor position falls under Salary Scale 11 of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities.
Minimum Gross Monthly Salary: €4,925
Maximum Gross Monthly Salary: €6,682
Working Hours: 38 hours per week for a full-time appointment
In addition to the monthly salary, the university offers an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
Employees are also covered by an ABP pension scheme.
The university provides full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for travel between home and work.
Full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of 29 days of leave annually, with options for additional leave or flexible working arrangements under the university’s employment conditions.
Other benefits include possible parental leave arrangements, a laptop, home-working allowances and access to selected employee benefits.
Contract Duration
The initial employment contract will be for one year, with a view to permanent employment.
The appointment will be governed by the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities.
The university has stated that onboarding and professional development support will be available to the selected candidate.
Job Location and Work Arrangement
Location: Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University, The Hague, Netherlands
The position is based in the Netherlands.
Hybrid working may be possible where the nature of the work permits it, but such arrangements must take place within the Netherlands.
The successful candidate must be living in the Netherlands before the employment contract begins.
The announcement does not specify whether visa sponsorship or relocation assistance will be provided.
International applicants should clarify work authorisation and relocation arrangements with the university.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications through Leiden University’s online recruitment system.
Applicants are required to provide a motivation letter explaining their interest in the position and suitability for the role.
They must also submit an updated curriculum vitae containing a list of academic publications.
One sample publication must be included.
Candidates must provide a teaching portfolio, including teaching evaluations.
The application must also contain the names and contact details of three potential referees.
The university has stated that referees will only be contacted if the candidate is invited for an interview.
All required documents must be submitted in PDF format, quoting the vacancy number specified in the official job listing.
Applicants should access the university’s recruitment website to locate the position and its application portal.
Selection Process
The university will review applications and shortlist candidates according to the requirements of the position.
Further selection steps will follow Leiden University’s recruitment procedures.
Pre-employment screening may include verification of references, educational qualifications and a certificate of conduct.
The university has also stated that, where candidates are equally suitable, priority may be given to an internal applicant.
Application Deadline
Last Date to Apply: 27 November 2026
Applications may be submitted up to and including this date.
The university has stated that late applications will not be considered.
Contact Details
For questions concerning the responsibilities and academic requirements of the position, candidates may contact:
Professor Antoaneta Dimitrova
Professor of Comparative Governance and Head of the Research Group Diplomacy and Global Affairs
Email: a.l.dimitrova@fgga.leidenuniv.nl
Official Source and Application Information
Institution: Leiden University, Netherlands
Institute: Institute of Security and Global Affairs
Position: Assistant Professor in Security and the Rule of Law
Location: The Hague, Netherlands
Salary: €4,925–€6,682 gross per month
Contract: One year, with a view to permanent employment
Deadline: 27 November 2026
Official University Careers Website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at
Employment Conditions and Application Procedure: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions
Note: The vacancy information is based on the recruitment details supplied. The direct vacancy application URL and vacancy number were not provided. Candidates should locate the official posting on Leiden University’s careers website before submitting their documents.
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