PhD in organisational cybersecurity: End-users and teams (1.0 fte)

For our NWO-funded project “From ‘what went wrong’ to ‘what works well?’ Using Safety 2 principles to develop new cybersecurity solutions”, we are looking for a PhD candidate interested in building positive cybersecurity solutions for individuals and teams within organisations. In this five-year project, we aim to develop cybersecurity solutions that organisations can implement in their ways of working based on what we learn from organisations where cybersecurity is managed successfully. The main research question the team will answer is: “What do successful organisations do differently on the individual, team, and organisational level to prevent the occurrence of cyber incidents or reduce their impact?” This position focuses on the individual and team aspects of the main research question.

The successful applicant will work with researchers from the cybersecurity governance and the governance of crisis research group to help answering this question. Knowledge of (organisational) cybersecurity at the start of the project is not a requirement. However, we do expect the successful applicants to quickly familiarise themselves with the field through self-study or by taking in-house courses. The successful applicant will conduct empirical research on what successful organisations do differently on the individual and team level within their organisation. Do individuals and teams in these organisations work in a different manner, or are they perhaps selected their roles in a certain way? Or are there other factors that play vital roles?

What you will do:

• Familiarise yourself with the field of organisational cybersecurity on the individual and team level where needed.
• Dive into the literature to develop relevant research questions and set up methodologically sound studies to investigate the main research question.
• Work with our partners in industry to organise data collection.
• Collect and analyse data.
• Write up research for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Disseminate research findings at both internal and external events for the scientific community and stakeholders.
• Be an active member of the Cybersecurity Governance research group.
• Support teaching in our bachelor and/or master programmes.

Where you will work: ISGA is a scientific institute specializing in security, safety, and global challenges. These include challenges in the fields of cybersecurity, crises, intelligence, terrorism, war, violence, and diplomacy. ISGA is characterized by high-quality, interdisciplinary education and the development of scientific knowledge with a high potential for societal impact. ISGA is part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) and is based in the city of The Hague, the international city of peace and justice. FGGA is one of the seven faculties of Leiden University. This young, entrepreneurial, innovative organization has three scientific institutes, two centers, over 3,700 students, and 425 staff members.

The interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Governance research group works on the non-technical side of cybersecurity at all levels of society. This includes the cybersecurity of end-users in organisations, regulation on the national and international level, but also international relations and diplomacy. The group consists of scientists with a range of different background including psychology, criminology, public administration, philosophy, political science, sociology and law.

What you bring: In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently. A Master’s degree in organisational science, psychology, communication science, behavioural sciences, political science, sociology, or a related field. An interest in cybersecurity and the willingness to learn about this field if it is new to you. Demonstrated experience in quantitative research. A collaborative mindset, the ability to work in a team. Strong communication skills for interaction with stakeholders and communicating scientific findings. A proficiency in Dutch is considered an asset.

What we offer: An employment contract for 38 hours a week (1.0 fte) as a PhD candidate, initially for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension for 3 years after a positive evaluation. A salary of a minimum of €3,059 and a maximum of €3,881 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment. A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), and an attractive pension scheme. Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs. Flexible working hours and options for extra leave. For more information about employment conditions, see here.