Leiden University’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Data Science & Armed Conflict as part of the ERC-funded TERGAP project. This 24-month, full-time position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on terrorism, counterterrorism, and political violence through advanced data analytics, including NLP, LLMs, and machine learning.

Applicants must hold or be close to completing a PhD in political science, international relations, security studies, computer science, data science, or a related field by November 2025. Candidates should have experience with large-N or event data analysis, preferably using NLP, LLMs, or machine learning, and demonstrate a strong interest in terrorism, political violence, or armed conflict. Excellent command of English is required, and proficiency in Dutch is considered an asset.

Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and a leading international research institution. Renowned for its academic excellence, it offers a diverse and interdisciplinary environment across its seven faculties. The university is located in the historic city of Leiden and in The Hague, fostering close connections with government institutions, international organizations, and the judiciary.

Application Deadline: August 8, 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Leiden University

• Department: Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA), Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA)

• Course Level: Postdoctoral Research

• Award: Monthly salary (€3,378 – €5,331 gross), travel funds, benefits package

• Access Mode: Online

• Number of Awards: 1

• Nationality: International applicants welcome

• The award can be taken in: the Netherlands

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all nationalities

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The fellowship will be awarded in any subject relevant to:

  • Political science

  • International relations

  • Security studies

  • Computer science

  • Data science

  • Computational social science

• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have a completed PhD (or expect to complete it by November 2025)

  • Demonstrate interest in political violence, terrorism, counterterrorism, and armed conflict

  • Show experience with large-N, big data, machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), large language models (LLMs), or event data extraction

  • Exhibit strong research and manuscript writing skills in English

  • Be able to work independently and collaboratively in a research team

  • Be willing to travel internationally when needed

  • Proficiency in Dutch is a plus (or a willingness to reach C1 level within two years).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by August 8, 2025, and should include the following documents in PDF format:

• A motivation letter (max 2 pages)

• Curriculum Vitae (include publications and relevant skills)

• A writing sample (e.g., dissertation chapter or published work)

• A research statement (max 1200 words) explaining your proposed approach to the project

• Contact details of two referees (no letters needed at this stage)

Submit your application via the Leiden University online portal.
For more details, you may contact Dr. Graig Klein at [email protected].

Benefits

• A full-time, 2-year employment contract

• Competitive monthly salary ranging from €3,378 to €5,331 (scale 10)

• Holiday (8%) and year-end bonus (8.3%)

• Public transport reimbursement, hybrid work option, and home-working allowance

• Minimum 29 days paid leave with the possibility of additional days

• Access to sabbatical, parental leave, and other secondary employment benefits

• Full support for conference travel and dissemination activities

• An inspiring research environment in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice.

Apply Now