Assistant Professor in Cybersecurity

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University, through the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), invites applications for an Assistant Professor position (0.8–1.0 FTE) in Cybersecurity. We seek a candidate with strong expertise in areas such as software security, network security, security measurement, AI security, usable security, or systems security. The ideal candidate will complement and strengthen our growing security team and contribute to our interdisciplinary collaborations, especially with researchers in Law, Criminology, or Governance. A proven interest or experience in such interdisciplinary fields will be considered a strong advantage. We are particularly interested in candidates with the ability to teach cybersecurity-related courses at bachelor-level tailored to students from different backgrounds. The successful candidate will contribute to the new multidisciplinary Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Bachelor program starting in Fall 2025, in which our institute is responsible for the computer science education on cybersecurity. The teaching duties for this position will start in Fall 2026, allowing ample time for integration into our academic community. In addition to research and teaching, the successful candidate is expected to secure external research funding to build their own research group and to supervise bachelor’s and master’s students. The successful candidate will be embedded in the Systems and Security research cluster at LIACS, the Computer Science and AI department of Leiden University, offering a collaborative and supportive environment that values cross-group collaborations.

Expectations

• Conduct independent research in cybersecurity;
• Teach two cybersecurity-related courses annually at the Bachelor level as the main lecturer and contribute to other relevant courses and educational activities (e.g., co-organizing CTF challenges);
• Obtain the University Teaching Qualification (BKO) within 2 years;
• Supervise BSc and MSc students;
• (Co-)supervise PhD students;
• Secure external funding for research projects;
• Participate in institutional committees and contribute to academic activities within the institute, Leiden University, and the broader Dutch academic community;
• Contribute to the development and promotion of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Bachelor.

Selection criteria

• PhD degree in Computer Science or a similar field;
• An academic, creative, and open mindset;
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and in a supervisory role with students;
• Demonstrated research independence at the postdoctoral level or beyond, evidenced by a strong publication record;
• Excellent proficiency in both English and Dutch is required, as the official language of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Bachelor program is Dutch;
• Experience in teaching and supervising students, preferably at the bachelor level.

Additional information

Excellent candidates with a proven academic track record may be considered for an associate professor position. Applicants at this level should demonstrate:

• A strong record of supervising PhD students and leading a research group;
• Success in obtaining external research funding to finance the research group and strategic thinking about securing funding in the future;
• Significant teaching experience, including course development and coordination.
• Strong professional network of academic and societal partners, in the Netherlands and/or internationally, evidenced by joint projects or publications;

Research at LIACS

The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of one of Europe’s biggest bio-science parks, where university and business life come together. The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science levels in the core areas of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science, and in the interdisciplinary areas of Business, Creative Intelligence, and Bioinformatics. We are also collaborating with the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs and the Law Faculty in the new multidisciplinary Bachelor Cybersecurity and Cybercrime.

LIACS is a highly international place to do research, committed to excellence in a supportive and inclusive environment. We value fun, inclusivity, openness, and teamwork, ensuring that excellence and enjoyment go hand in hand. At LIACS, we balance teaching and research, offering a clear and inviting career path for young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. We also offer ample support in developing grant applications and teaching resources.

Terms and conditions

We offer a position commensurate with your level of experience, initially for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research and personal compatibility, the appointment can be extended further to a permanent one. The salary ranges, depending on qualifications and experience, from € 4.537,- to € 6.209,- gross per month, following the pay scale 11 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development, and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses, we have set up a dual career program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

The starting date is negotiable, but not later than March 2026. We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible.

Diversity and Inclusivity

LIACS fosters an inclusive and dynamic research environment with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to our diverse academic community. Diversity, equity, and Inclusivity are central elements of the values and vision of Leiden University, which is committed to becoming an inclusive community that enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality teaching and research are inclusive.

Information

Inquiries about this job opening can be made to Dr. Olga Gadyatskaya, email o.gadyatskaya@liacs.leidenuniv.nl, or to the Scientific Director of LIACS, Prof. Dr. Marcello Bonsangue, email m.m.bonsangue@liacs.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.