ostdoctoral researcher in: Radicalisation measurement and prevention

The Institute of Security and Global Affairs of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs is inviting applications for a

Postdoctoral researcher in: Radicalisation measurement and prevention (1.0 FTE).

Vacancy number 15072

Preventing and measuring radicalisation: An evidence synthesis

The current project is premised by a pervasive, methodological challenge in the study of radicalisation: the validity and reliability of efforts to measure radicalisation continue to be of poorer quality than those found in other research areas. Not only does this inhibit the development of explanatory theories of radicalisation, but it hinders efforts to counter or prevent the phenomenon more broadly. To address this problem, the current project brings together a team of researchers from psychology and political science to contribute to two, Campbell Collaboration systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the topics of radicalisation measurement and school-based radicalisation prevention.

The findings from these syntheses will be incorporated into a report for counter-terrorism policy-makers and practitioners on the topic of radicalisation prevention. In culmination, these work packages will allow the team to determine the extent to which schools-based interventions are effectively targeting radicalisation, and whether the measurement instruments are of sufficient quality for the task at hand. This knowledge will be particularly relevant for

practitioners tasked with piloting or measuring the effects of preventative interventions, as well as those entrusted to develop effective counter-terrorism policies

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be a key member of the team, contributing their expertise in radicalisation as well as scale development and validation to the psychometric systematic review followed by the intervention systematic review.

Key responsibilities

The position will involve 80% research and 20% teaching.

In terms of research (0.8 FTE), the Postdoctoral Researcher will take the lead on many aspects of the ‘Preventing and Measuring Radicalisation’ project. That includes but is not limited to conducting the targeted keyword searches, screening studies, extracting data, performing inter-rater reliability on quality assessments, contributing to the meta-analyses, publishing findings, co-authoring output with the other team members, as well as organizing and participating in dissemination activities.

In terms of teaching (0.2) FTE, the Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to at least one course per year on quantitative research methods as well as supervise a number of undergraduate thesis students. The department is located in The Hague. The candidate must live in (or relocate to) The Netherlands for the duration of the contract.

Selection criteria

We are looking for a candidate with:

• A completed PhD degree (by the start date of November 2024) in psychology, sociology, criminology, education, health science or a related field. Experience working on themes of radicalisation and extremism is desired.
• Expertise in systematic review methods as evidenced by published systematic reviews and meta-analyses as lead or senior author. Experience synthesising behavioural interventions is preferred, but not required but the candidate should be familiar with all aspects of the systematic review process from question formulation through to publication.
• Expertise in the field of scale development and validation (or willingness to learn). This may be demonstrated by their doctoral thesis topic in which they developed a psychometric scale and/or relevant publications in which psychometric scales were appraised.
• Experience in, and comfortable with, coordination, communication and liaison with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage administrative tasks associated with research projects, including monitoring budgets, resources and timelines, delivering outputs such as funder updates and reports, and organising project meetings and documentation

Our organisation

The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, located in The Hague – the International City of Peace and Justice – offers a range of other programs focused on international relations, security, international law and international organization. It also hosts the Leiden University College (LUC), an international honors college of Leiden University situated The Hague. Firmly rooted in the academic tradition, the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs provides an inspiring and challenging education and research environment, with a strong interdisciplinary character and international orientation; it is a meeting place for students, scholars and professionals, a platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is a leading research and education institute, focusing on the most pressing local, national, European and global security issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. It currently hosts more than 100 academic and support staff members and offers the BA in Security Studies, the MSc in Crisis and Security Management (including a forthcoming track on Violence), the Advanced MA in International Relations and Diplomacy, the executive MSc in Cyber Security as well as a variety of innovative teaching offerings in the professional and MOOC fields. In addition, ISGA runs popular Minor Programmes in Violence as well as the Faculty’s Honour Programme in Security and Global Affairs.

Terms and conditions

We offer a full-time (1.0 fte) fixed-term position for 36 months with a preferred start date of 1 November 2024. Salary ranges from € 3226,00 to € 5090,00 gross per month on a full-time basis (pay scale 10) 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%). Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.