20 October 2026

The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are jointly launching the Hybrid Warfare Lab, a new research project examining hybrid operations aimed at undermining European democracy, security, and infrastructure. The project is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

Russian hybrid operations have become an increasingly prominent issue in discussions about European and national security. These activities include sabotage, cyberattacks, influence operations, and attempts to carry out terrorist attacks against civilian aviation. At the same time, foreign interference and economic espionage linked to the Chinese government have also become growing concerns.

We are recruiting two student assistants who are currently in the third year of a Bachelor’s programme or enrolled in a Master’s programme at Leiden University. Each position is for 0.4 FTE, approximately 15 hours per week, for a period up to one year.

• Position 1 – You will help expand and improve an existing dataset on Russian and Chinese hybrid operations targeting European countries.
• Position 2 – You will analyse Russian public communications about actions by Ukraine’s European allies that the Kremlin portrays as dangerous escalation.

Both research activities will provide an essential empirical foundation for studies conducted within the Hybrid Warfare Lab and contribute to a better understanding of pressing contemporary security challenges.

What you will do

Depending on the position, your main responsibilities will be:

• Position 1:
  Systematically collect and analyse data on Russian and Chinese hybrid operations against Europe
   
• Position 2:
  Identify and document Russian claims concerning perceived European escalation in a new dataset

Both positions:

• Conduct short literature reviews on topics related to the project;
• Take minutes during project meetings when necessary;
• Provide research assistance to other parts of the project when needed.

Where you will work

As a student assistant, you will work primarily with Bart Schuurman, Professor of Terrorism and Political Violence at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA), located at the Wijnhaven campus in The Hague. You will collect and analyse data that form the empirical foundation for research into the nature, scale, and evolution of Russian and Chinese hybrid operations against European states. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop your research skills, gain hands-on experience with empirical research, and contribute to a project addressing issues of considerable societal and policy relevance.

What you bring

We are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated, and curious students who are in the final year of their Bachelor program or enrolled in a Master’s program. Candidates will need an eye for detail and the ability to work independently on complex research questions. You would be a good fit for this position if you:

• Have experience with data collection and analysis;
• Are persistent and thorough in your research;
• Work accurately, systematically, and with strong attention to detail;
• Have an interest in hybrid warfare, the war in Ukraine, and related topics;
• Are proficient in Microsoft Excel;
• Have an interest in using AI and computational tools for data collection and analysis, while maintaining high standards of research integrity;
• Have some experience with basic statistical methods and software such as SPSS (an advantage);
• Have an excellent command of English;
• Have a working knowledge of Dutch (an advantage);
• Have knowledge of other languages relevant to the project (an advantage);
• Are eager to learn new skills and methods;
• Have strong communication and listening skills;
• Are currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s programme or enrolled in a Master’s programme at Leiden University;
• Can remain enrolled at Leiden University throughout your employment via JobMotion.

What we offer

You will receive a salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (student assistant salary scale, SA). The position is for a period up to one year at 0.4 FTE (approximately 15 hours per week), with an anticipated start in January 2027.

Employment will take place via JobMotion. You must remain enrolled at Leiden University throughout the employment period. You must also have Dutch health insurance and, where applicable, a valid work permit for the entire employment period. The exact starting date will be determined in consultation with the successful candidates. We offer flexible working hours, with regular working days or half-days to be agreed upon.

How to apply

Interested in joining the Hybrid Warfare Lab? Please send your motivation letter and CV to b.w.schuurman@fgga.leidenuniv.nl by 15 November 2026.

In your motivation letter, please indicate whether you have a preference for working on (1) the Russian and Chinese hybrid operations dataset, or (2) the Russian escalation research project. Please briefly explain your preference. Applicants without a strong preference are also welcome to apply.

For more information or questions, please contact Bart Schuurman at b.w.schuurman@fgga.leidenuniv.nl