PhD Fellow Governance of Cybercrime

Cybercrime is on the rise: there are ever more different types of criminal offences conducted via digital networked technologies, and the volume of criminal activities also rises year by year. Some forms of cybercrime are growing rapidly and therefore require extra research. This is the case, for instance, with online sexual offences such as sextortion, harassment and cyber stalking. One area of interest is trying to find predictors for victimization of these types of cybercrime to get an understanding of which groups or personality types have a higher risk of becoming a (repeat) victim and why. A deeper understanding of such predictors can facilitate research into the use(fulness) of interventions, so that specific groups or personality types may become better protected against these types of cybercrime. 

The Research group Governance of Cyber Security at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is looking for a PhD Fellow (1.0 fte, 60-month position) to conduct research on the governance of cybercrime with a special focus on the governance of victimization in online environments. In this PhD project the candidate will study predictors of victimization of (1) online sexual offences or (2) harassment and cyber stalking, with a focus on improving the effectiveness of interventions against these specific types of cybercrime. 

The duties of a PhD Fellow consist of several components, namely: doctoral research, training, and teaching. Over the course of a six-year appointment, on average 50% of the total workload is devoted to doctoral research, 10% to training and professional development, and 40% to teaching, including administrative responsibilities related to the educational programme.

A PhD Fellow is expected to have completed a full draft of the dissertation by the end of the fifth year of the appointment. The sixth year is intended for reviewing and revising the dissertation draft, incorporating feedback received, and preparing for the PhD defence.

What you will do

The successful candidate will conduct research on governance of cybercrime and assist with teaching in the MSc in Crisis and Security Management. The candidate will:

▫    Conduct supervised and collaborative research with the research group Governance of Cyber Security leading up to a dissertation; 
▫    Collect and analyse data on the above topics;
▫    Produce a high-quality dissertation under the guidance of two supervisors;
▫    Work within a multidisciplinary team in the Governance of Cyber Security research group and with other research groups within the Institute;
▫    Assist in teaching and grading activities for courses at master level within the institute. 

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:

▫    An MSc or MA degree in governance studies, criminology or cyber security or a related field relevant to researching governance of cybercrime; 
▫    Demonstrable experience with supervised research in the form of a bachelor and/or master thesis;
▫    Commitment to multidisciplinary research;
▫    Experience with teaching support is considered an asset;
▫    Commitment to fostering a close-knit, interdisciplinary academic community;
▫    Some experience with various research methods and techniques;
▫    Interest in connecting academic research to policy and societal impact. 
▫    Excellent command of both Dutch and English, with strong verbal communication skills and professional written proficiency in both languages.
▫    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?

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

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact prof.dr. Bibi van den Berg, head of the research group Cybersecurity Governance at [email protected]

You can apply up to and including 31 August 2026; applications will be processed immediately.

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.