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The Faculty of Science at Leiden University, through the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), invites applications for two positions in Cybersecurity (0.8–1.0 FTE) at Assistant Professor (UD) and at Associate (UHD) level.

We seek candidates with strong expertise in areas such as software security, network security, security measurement, AI security, usable security, or systems security. Ideally, candidates will complement and strengthen our growing security team and contribute to our interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaborations. A proven interest or experience in interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research and engagement with industry and/or policy makers will be considered a strong advantage.

We are particularly interested in candidates with the ability to teach cybersecurity-related courses at bachelor and master level tailored to students from different backgrounds. The successful candidates will contribute to the new multidisciplinary Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Bachelor program and/or to our own Bachelor and Master programs in Computer Science, including supervision of bachelor and master thesis projects.

In addition to research and teaching, the successful candidates are expected to secure external research funding to build their own research group and to supervise PhD students. They will be embedded in the Systems and Security research cluster at LIACS, the Computer Science and AI department of Leiden University, offering a collaborative and supportive environment that values cross-group collaborations.

What you will do

• Conduct independent research in cybersecurity;
• Teach two cybersecurity-related courses annually at the Bachelor/Master level as the main lecturer;
• Contribute to other relevant courses and educational activities;
• Possess the University Teaching Qualification (BKO) or be willing to obtain it within 2 years;
• Supervise BSc and MSc thesis students;
• (Co-)supervise PhD students;
• Secure external funding for research projects;
• Participate in institutional committees and contribute to academic activities within the institute, Leiden University, and the broader Dutch academic community;
• Contribute to the development and promotion of our educational programs.

Where you will work

The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,700 staff and almost 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of one of Europe's biggest bio-science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science levels in the core areas of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science, and in the interdisciplinary areas of Business, Creative Intelligence, and Bioinformatics. We are also collaborating with the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs and the Law Faculty in the new multidisciplinary Bachelor Cybersecurity and Cybercrime.

LIACS is a highly international place to do research, committed to excellence in a supportive and inclusive environment. We value fun, inclusivity, openness, and teamwork, ensuring that excellence and enjoyment go hand in hand. At LIACS, we balance teaching and research, offering a clear and inviting career path for young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. We also offer ample support in developing grant applications and teaching resources.

What you bring

• PhD degree in Computer Science or a similar field;
• An academic, creative, and open mindset;
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and in a supervisory role with students;
• Demonstrated research independence at the postdoctoral level or beyond, evidenced by a strong publication record;
• Experience in teaching and supervising students;
• Excellent proficiency in English. Fluency in Dutch or willingness to learn it will be considered a strong advantage, as the new Bachelor Cybersecurity and Cybercrime is a Dutch program.

Candidates applying for the Associate Professor position must demonstrate a proven academic track record at the appropriate senior level, including:

• A record of successfully supervising PhD students to completion and leading a research group;
• Demonstrated success in obtaining substantial external research funding to finance research activities, with evidence of strategic thinking about securing funding in the future;
• Significant teaching experience, including course development, coordination, and curriculum design;
• Strong professional network of academic and societal partners, evidenced by joint research projects, collaborative publications, and partnerships with industry or policymakers;
• International recognition as a leader in their research field, as evidenced by program committee chairing, keynote speech invitations, editorial board memberships, and other forms of peer recognition;
• Preference will be given to candidates with proven contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and/or other activities to improve the academic work climate.

Outstanding candidates with an exceptionally strong academic track record are encouraged to contact us to enquire about further career step opportunities.

What we offer

• We offer a position commensurate with your level of experience for the duration of initially one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• For Assistant Professor we offer a salary between € 4.728,= until € 6.433,= gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours, pay scale 11) For Associate Professor, salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications at the appropriate higher pay scales;
• 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 and bicycle scheme;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

The starting date is negotiable, but preferably in September 2026 or earlier.

What we value

LIACS fosters an inclusive and dynamic research environment with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to our diverse academic community. Diversity, equity, and Inclusivity are central elements of the values and vision of Leiden University, which is committed to becoming an inclusive community that 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 are inclusive.

Want to apply or find out more?

Information

Inquiries about this job opening can be made to Dr. Olga Gadyatskaya, email o.gadyatskaya@liacs.leidenuniv.nl, or to the Scientific Director of LIACS, Prof. Dr. Marcello Bonsangue, email m.m.bonsangue@liacs.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl

Application

Please submit your application online no later than April 19th, 2026, via the blue button in our application system. In your application, please clearly indicate which position you are applying for (Assistant Professor or Associate Professor).

Please ensure that you attach the following documents:

• A short cover letter of one page detailing your motivation to apply for the position;
• Your research statement;
• Your teaching statement;
• A full academic CV, including a working link to your public Google Scholar profile page. For Associate Professor applicants, it should also include a brief overview of completed PhD supervisions and funded projects;
• The names and contact information (email and phone number) of at least two persons who can be contacted for reference (and who have agreed to be contacted). There is no need to submit the reference letters at this stage of the application;