Postdoc Researcher in Crisis Governance

Universiteit Leiden; Den Haag; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range €4,925–€6,682

Holiday allowance 8%

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

ABP pension

Public transport allowance

Hybrid work possible

Home-working allowance

Laptop provided

Sabbatical options

Leave days 29

Job summary

Leiden University in The Hague invites applications for a 1.0 FTE postdoctoral researcher for a 36-month position in EU crisis and transboundary crisis governance. The role includes conducting independent and collaborative research, teaching across MSc programs, supervising theses, and contributing to ISGA's research strategy.

You will work in a multidisciplinary setting within the Governance of Crisis group, engaging with international audiences and building a robust publication record while

Qualifications

• PhD in public administration, policy studies, political science, sociology or related crisis governance field.
• Demonstrable research in EU crisis and emergency response or transboundary disaster governance.
• Strong quantitative and comparative research skills with publication potential.
• Experience with research-led teaching is an asset.
• Ability to connect research to policy and societal impact.
• Proficiency in English; Dutch language is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on EU crisis management and transboundary crisis governance.
• Collect and analyze quantitative data or large-N datasets on transboundary crises.
• Publish in international peer-reviewed journals and contribute to ISGA's research strategy.
• Assist in teaching and grading across MSc and other programs.
• Supervise theses and capstone projects.

Skills

Quantitative research

Comparative research

Research-led teaching

Policy impact

Academic networking

Interdisciplinary collaboration

English proficiency

Dutch language willingness

Research design

Education

PhD in public administration, policy studies, political science, sociology, or related crisis governance field

Job description

EN Applying is possible up to and including: 20 November 2026

The Research group Governance of Crisis at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher (1.0 fte, 36-month position) with research and teaching expertise in EU crisis and disaster management, or transboundary crisis preparedness, response and recovery.

What you will do

The successful candidate will conduct research on EU or transboundary crisis governance and assist with teaching across several programs within the institute, including the MSc in Crisis and Security Management.

• Conduct independent and collaborative research with the research group Governance of Crisis on topics related to EU crisis management, transboundary disaster and crisis preparedness and response.
• Collect and analyze quantitative comparative data or combine large-N datasets to study transboundary crises and transboundary crisis management;
• Produce high-quality co-authored outputs for both academic and non-academic audiences, with a focus on international, peer-reviewed journals. Work within a multidisciplinary team across the Governance of Crisis research group and other research groups within the Institute, supporting the development and implementation of the Institute’s research strategy.
• Assist in teaching and grading within courses in minor, bachelor and master programs within the institute, including the MSc in Crisis and Security Management.
• Supervise theses and capstone projects.

Our priority is to hire an excellent candidate who can contribute to the research group Governance of Crisis by enhancing and complementing the research agenda of the group, while also assisting in teaching. This opportunity will help the candidate prepare for the next step in their academic career.

Within ISGA, the Governance of Crises research group focuses on understanding crises, disasters, and emergencies, including hurricanes, floods, accidents, cybersecurity breaches, system blackouts, and terrorist attacks. Crises are considered serious threats to the basic structures or the fundamental values and norms of a system. Our approach reflects ISGA’s multidisciplinary nature, drawing on public administration, organization science, sociology, safety science, political science, and methodological perspectives. Traditionally, crisis governance research has focused on either functional approaches to crisis management — preventing or mitigating tangible harm — or political approaches, which address legitimacy threats, reputation management, and organizational contingencies. Crisis governance research seeks to identify, understand and explain the political, organizational, and societal routines, perspectives, and interests at stake in the strategic management of crises. This research contributes to academic knowledge, informs public debate, and support the development of professional practice. We are keen to connect crisis governance studies to broader disciplinary and interdisciplinary debates

Where you will work

The mission of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA)? Contributing to society. The faculty does this through high-quality interdisciplinary education and (new) scientific knowledge. Whether it is terrorism, security, artificial intelligence or a governance solution to the housing crisis, contemporary issues are comprehensively addressed at FGGA. In the heart of The Hague, where important decisions are made, students and professionals come together to gain knowledge and skills. There is much collaboration with academic and societal partners, which ensures that students leave university with a smile and one foot in the future, ready to make a substantial contribution to society.

FGGA is one of the seven faculties of Leiden University. This young, entrepreneurial, innovative organisation has three scientific institutes, two centres, over 3,700 students and 425 staff members. For more information about the faculty, click here .

The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is a scientific institute specialising in security issues. ISGA is part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs of Leiden University. ISGA analyses and studies security issues with local, national, transnational and global impact. These include crises, intelligence, terrorism, war, violence and cybercrime. The institute is characterised by a multidisciplinary research approach.

ISGA is based in the residential city of The Hague, the international city of peace, justice and security. Inspiring interactions are maintained with other knowledge institutions, regional, national and international governments, the private sector and NGOs.

What you bring

In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently. Every job is different, so in the beginning we will devote attention to your onboarding. If some of the work activities are new to you, we will look together at what you need, and draw up a development plan. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following. Applicants are expected to have:

• A PhD degree in public administration, policy studies, political science, sociology, or a related field relevant to crisis governance.
• Demonstrable research experience in EU crisis and emergency response, or a related topic regarding transboundary crisis and disaster governance;
• Outstanding quantitative, comparative research qualities and affinity with using new research methods, manifest in a developing and promising publication record.
• Experience with research-led teaching is considered an asset.
• Demonstrable passion for education, both inside and outside the classroom.
• Commitment to fostering a close-knit, interdisciplinary academic community.
• Experience with diverse research methods and techniques.
• A growing network of academics and professionals in the field of EU crisis management, emergency response, civil protection, disaster management and/or transboundary crisis governance, both domestically and internationally.
• Ability to connect academic research to policy and societal impact.
• Excellent command of English, with the ability and willingness to work towards Dutch language proficiency. Current proficiency in Dutch is considered an asset.
• You live and are officially registered as resident in The Netherlands or are willing to relocate upon starting the position.

If you immediately recognise yourself in this profile, or if do you not quite meet all the requirements, but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!

What we offer

Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located in the bustling city centre of The Hague.

We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.

We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of 3 years. The contract is entered into for the duration of one year and can be extended with another two years if performance is good and the organizational circumstances remain unchanged. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities
• A salary of a minimum of € 4.925,- and a maximum of € 6.682,- gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale 11);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription or bicycle scheme, and we also offer child-care options;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

Faculty / Unit: Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs