Assistant Professor in Violence and Violence Prevention

The Research Group Physical Violence and Public Order at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) of Leiden University seeks to expand its academic staff by appointing an assistant professor with expertise on violence and mental health. In this group, we adopt a multi-dimensional, interdisciplinary perspective, in which we use and adapt concepts from sociology, anthropology, public health and public policy, criminology, victimology, forensic psychology and pedagogy – moving past mono-disciplinary approaches to research into violence and public order. In our data-driven research, we seek to help design evidence-based, tailored interventions and to aid efforts to reduce the violence burden on society. As a Group, we teach a range of courses in the minor Violence Studies and in the CSM Track Governance of Violence.

What you will do

The Institute seeks to expand its academic staff by appointing an assistant professor with a specialisation in violence and mental health. We are looking for candidates with a social science background, a solid grasp of research methodologies, and a strong track-record of applying such knowledge and skills to the study of violence and mental health. The preferred candidate will show excellent analytical skills, have a track record in teaching and supervision. Candidates must be able to demonstrate topical expertise on the placement of violent acts within the broader landscape of crime and mental health. Aside from their research, the candidate will be expected to develop and teach courses related to interpersonal violence in the minor Violence Studies, in the master Crisis and Security Management and (where necessary) contribute to teaching in the bachelor Security Studies.

• Conduct independent research on topics related to interpersonal violence.
• Generate high-quality output in both academic and non-academic outlets, with a focus on international, peer-reviewed journals.
• Work within an interdisciplinary team of colleagues, both as a project lead and as a collaborator.
• Contribute to a supportive and productive research community.
• Support the ongoing development and implementation of the research strategy of the Institute.
• Develop and teach courses related to interpersonal violence in the minor Violence studies, in the new master track Violence in the Master Crisis and Security Management and (where necessary) in the bachelor Security Studies.
• Tutor students by providing mentoring and advice.
• Actively contribute to the renewal and ongoing improvement of educational practices at Bachelor’s and Master’s level.
• Support the ongoing development and implementation of the research strategy of the Institute.
• Be willing to take on administrative and coordination tasks within the Institute.
• Participate in professional-learning courses.

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:

• PhD degree in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, Public Health, Epidemiology or a related Social Science field.
• Specific research expertise on interpersonal violence and mental health.
• Strong teaching skills.
• Outstanding research qualities demonstrated through an established track record of publications in peer-reviewed, international journals.
• Experience participating in interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary research.
• Experience in research-led teaching.
• In possession of BKO-qualification (“UTQ” - or equivalent).
• Demonstrable commitment to high-quality education.
• You have (near) native proficiency in Dutch and English (or willingness to master a C1 level of fluency in Dutch within two years, with funding being provided;
• 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 one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary of a minimum of € 4.728,- and a maximum of € 6.433,- 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.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

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?

If you want to apply straight away, click the application button and submit the following documents (PDF format), quoting the vacancy number.

•    Motivation letter;
•    Curriculum vitae including a list of publications;
•    A sample publication;
•    The names and addresses of three potential referees. Letters of recommendation are not needed at this stage of the process.

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact prof dr Marieke Liem, professor of Violence and Interventions, at [email protected]. You can apply up to and including July 15; applications will be processed immediately, so please note that the position might be filled before the application deadline. The position starts between September 1 and November 1, 2026.

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

• We believe mobility is very important. That is why we are also publishing this vacancy internally. In case of equal suitability, we will give priority to the internal candidate.
• A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.