Leiden University – Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA)
Listed on Orbital Diplomat 23 Jun 2026
The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) at Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost centres for the interdisciplinary study of security, diplomacy, and global governance, based in The Hague — the international city of peace, justice, and security. ISGA is seeking a mid-career Associate Professor to strengthen its Diplomacy and Global Affairs research group, with a particular role in the advanced MSc International Relations and Diplomacy programme delivered in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael. The appointment is open to scholars with a strong research agenda in international diplomacy, international relations, or international organisation, broadly construed — including organisational theory and public administration approaches. The position is directly relevant to space governance and diplomacy researchers: multilateral space governance, the diplomacy of emerging technology, treaty-making under strategic competition, and the institutional design of international space bodies all fall squarely within the scope of international relations, international organisation, and diplomatic studies as taught and researched at ISGA. The successful candidate will lead an independent research programme, attract external funding, lead junior scholars, deliver high-quality teaching on the theory and practice of diplomacy, contribute to public debate, and build Leiden's profile in international academic and policy networks. The initial contract is one year with a view to permanency. Near-native Dutch or willingness to attain professional fluency within two years is required.
PhD in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field Proven track record of independent, original research evidenced by publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals in diplomacy, IR, and/or international organisations Demonstrated ability to secure individual and/or collaborative research grants Leadership experience managing or mentoring junior scholars Excellent teaching capabilities including experience with executive and postgraduate teaching Contributions to international academic networks and professional communities Evidence of policy-oriented public engagement and impact Excellent command of English (mandatory) (Near) native Dutch or willingness to attain professional fluency within 2 years (language course funding provided) Application materials: motivation letter (max 2 pages), research statement (2-4 pages), teaching statement (max 2 pages), CV with publications list, two sample publications, names of three referees