Full professorship „International Security and Strategic Studies“ (W3)

25.06.2026 THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT LEUPHANA UNIVERSITY OF LÜNEBURG INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING FULL PROFESSORSHIP:

International Security and Strategic Studies (W3)

We are seeking a distinguished researcher to join the newly established Leuphana Centre for Cooperative Security (LCCS). The professorship represents the field of International Security and Strategic Studies in research and teaching. The professorship is based at the Institute of Political Science and contributes to the establishment and leadership of the LCCS.

The Leuphana Centre for Cooperative Security (LCCS) is an interdisciplinary center for research on security that combines the subjects of law, economics, political science, and psychology. Premised on a broad conception of security that goes beyond the traditional focus on the military security of states, it conducts basic research on the conditions under which cooperation may enhance or undermine security in three principal areas: international security, internal security and economic security. The LCCS also develops recommendations for action in politics, business, and society, focusing on cooperative solutions to the consequences of diverse security threats for Germany in the European context. As a space for research and debate on the pressing security issues of the 21st century, the LCCS connects researchers from Leuphana, Germany, and around the world with expert representatives from the field. The position thus strengthens the Institute of Political Science and the School of Public Affairs by advancing their shared focus on democratic and societal resilience within the University‘s “Embracing Transformation” framework.

For this position, we are seeking a researcher with an outstanding international research profile in the field of international security and strategic studies generating a lasting impact in their field as well as for society. Potential research areas include the international governance of security and defense (e.g., military alliances), multilateral military cooperation, military and grand strategy, comparative defense policies, military transformation, armament policy and arms control (nuclear and/or conventional) as well as theories of war and deterrence. The empirical focus of the research should be on European security, including its transatlantic and global connections. A focus on new forms of warfare and their role in security and defence policy is an asset.

Your research is theory-guided and empirical, employing theories of International Relations and Strategic Studies, and may use a variety of methods, including qualitative, historical, quantitative and/or experimental research designs. You demonstrate your research excellence through an independent, broad, and innovative research agenda evidenced by a continuous publication track in high-ranking journals and/or with respected publishing houses, a promising publication pipeline, and a viable publication strategy for the coming years that is related to the LCCS’s research agenda. You have built up a vibrant network and are active in leading national and international scientific associations, conferences, and societies (e.g., International Studies Association, European Consortium for Political Research). You convincingly articulate a clear vision for how you plan to expand and institutionalize your research portfolio at Leuphana by making use of available competitive national and international funding opportunities (e.g., DFG, EU Horizon). In doing so, you have experience in conducting self-acquired competitive third-party funded projects and have obtained management experience in successfully leading and mentoring larger research teams and/or collaborative interdisciplinary research projects. You are also prepared to assume leadership and organizational responsibilities within the LCCS and have leadership experience conducive to this role. You participate in research networks and cooperations and are committed to promoting early-career researchers.

Your academic work gives evidence of your talent for cooperating with partners inside and outside academia and your strong commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue. You have already established strong networks both nationally and internationally with stakeholders from business, civil society, the military and politics (at federal, state and international level) and contribute actively to science communication and knowledge transfer. 

You have proven experience in the supervision of students (Bachelor, Master, Ph.D.) and can document your teaching experiences in seminars and lectures in the subject areas of this professorship. As a teacher, you are able to guide and mentor students through the challenges of conducting relevant and rigorous (inter-)disciplinary research, taking gender and diversity aspects into account. During the initial phase of the LCCS (five years), a significantly reduced teaching load will be in place.

The professional position will be filled in accordance with pay grade W3 (university full professorship). Formal requirements are based on § 25 of the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act (NHG) and include a university degree as well as a doctoral degree in Political Science, International Relations or a discipline relevant to the open position (e.g. Political Economy, History); your aptitude for teaching and your ability to engage in independent academic research is demonstrated by the above-average quality of your dissertation, and additional academic achievements obtained, i.e. in the course of being an assistant professor, during your postdoctoral lecture qualification (German: Habilitation) or other achievements recognized as being equivalent to a postdoctoral qualification (such as an excellent track record of peer-reviewed publications in high-quality international journals after the doctorate).

At Leuphana you will find an academic community that is open to changes in perspective and cultivates the dialogue among the different disciplines as well as between research and practice. With spirit and initiative, we address the challenges of civil society in the 21st century. Pursuing our idea of liberal education, our students are enabled to think, question and act upon it. Our professors foster awareness of gender and diversity aspects in teaching as well as research.

Leuphana University is an equal opportunities employer. The university aims to increase its number of female professors. Qualified women are especially invited to apply. Severely disabled applicants and applicants with equivalent status will be considered preferentially in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.

For further information, please contact the Dean of the School of Public Affairs, Prof. Dr. Johanna Croon-Gestefeld (johanna.gestefeld@leuphana.de).

Please submit your application (without submission of an application photo) consisting of the following materials in two PDF files: a) letter of motivation, CV, full publication list, copies of academic degrees and a research concept (approx. three pages) b) three relevant publications. Please enclose the completed application form (as Excel file) with your documents. Guidance on the required application materials can be found here.

Applications should be sent preferably by email using the key word “International Security” (W3) to beko@leuphana.de or to the President of Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Post Box 2440, Lüneburg D-21314 by September 09, 2026. Please be aware that we cannot return application documents sent physically.

By submitting your application, you consent to your data being stored and processed for the purpose of the recruitment process. Please note our Data Protection Notice for Applicants (in English or in German).

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