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.
• We seek someone who is keen on building forth on our recent work for the article by De Boer, T. et al (2026) Is Crisis on the Rise? An empirical study of the evolution of crisis in the European Union between 1980 and 2023, Journal of European Public Policy, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/13501763.2026.2644399 and use the following dataset (open access): https://dataverse.nl/dataset.xhtml?persistentId=doi:10.34894/9FRFHP
• 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

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

What we value

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.

Want to apply or find out more?

• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid