Are you eager to delve into the 20th/21st century political history of intelligence agencies? Have you recently completed your Master’s degree (or are close to doing so) and aspire to write an academic article under expert supervision? Don’t miss this exciting opportunity and apply now for a 10-month research position!
Since 2001, intelligence and security services in liberal democracies have acquired more financial means and powers, they have incorporated more bureaucratic organizations and actors, and they produce an increasing amount of classified information. Yet, democratic secrecy remains paradoxical: modern state secrecy evokes associations with authoritarianism and corruption rather than democracy. Such associations are at the heart of recurring, sweeping crises of legitimacy of intelligence communities. Why is state secrecy more legitimate in certain circumstances than in others? Why are some intelligence agencies in Europe associated with authoritarianism and corruption, while others are politically and societally legitimate?
Your research will focus on historically constructed, unintended, or social responses to intelligence and state secrecy. In doing so, you will critically examine the contemporary assumption that only more and better intelligence accountability mechanisms, such as independent review committees, will rationally ‘compensate’ for the paradoxical place of secrecy in democracies.
This position is part of a project funded by the Dutch Research Council exploring differences in the legitimacy of European intelligence agencies. As a researcher, you will independently author a research article, either under the supervision of or in collaboration with project leader Eleni Braat. While you have the freedom to choose the topic of your article, it should align with the scope of the Dutch Research Council project.
Do you have a compelling research topic in mind that you would like to develop into an article? We invite you to apply for this fully-funded 10-month position.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development , leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities ,as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
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For more information about his position please contact Eleni Braat at e.c.braat@uu.nl.
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
To apply, please send the following documents via the ‘apply now’ button:
The interviews will take place on 3 June. The estimated starting date of the position is 1 September (or soon after).
The application deadline is 19 May 2025.