PhD Student

From border security to terrorism and hybrid threats, private security actors play an increasingly crucial role in how the European Union responds to modern security issues. Become part of a pioneering study that explores these developments.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD researcher for an innovative 4-year interdisciplinary research project examining the trajectory of private security within the European Union. Much of the existing criminological research has primarily focused on contemporary developments in the private security industry within individual EU Member States. However, what remains underexplored is how private security provision and policy at the EU level itself have evolved, and the extent to which the security industry has contributed to EU security strategies.

By examining both historical and contemporary developments, this project aims to provide comprehensive theoretical insights into transnational processes of privatisation within the European security landscape. Specifically, the research will explore how security privatisation influences – and is influenced by – EU policy-making, regulation, and security strategies, while also analysing shifts in the balance between security considerations and market competition.

By integrating criminological perspectives with insights from political sciences and related disciplines, this project will provide an interdisciplinary analysis of EU private security policies and practices.

• A Master's degree (completed or near completion) in Criminology, Political Sciences, Law, or a related discipline.
• Students graduating in July 2025 are eligible for this position.
• Strong academic interest in the domain of security studies.
• Knowledge on EU governance and policy-making is a plus.
• Proficiency in qualitative and/or mixed research methods, with strong openness to interdisciplinary approaches.
• Excellent written and spoken command of English. Dutch proficiency is a plus.
• The ability to conduct independent research and to collaborate effectively within an international research environment.

What we offer

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 1 September at the earliest (can be negotiated).
• Extensive professional development opportunities including training, international conference participation, and networking within the academic and professional community.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

Interested candidates are invited to send the following documents electronically to Prof. Pieter Leloup (pieter.leloup@ugent.be ) by April 30, 2025 (00:00) at the latest.

• A cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the position, and your expected contribution to this project (max. 750 words).
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• Copies of your academic degrees and transcripts (if already available).
• A piece of academic writing (e.g. a bachelor’s thesis and/or a master’s thesis)
• The contact details of at least one academic referee (e.g. supervisor).

For further inquiries regarding the position or the research project, please contact Prof. Pieter Leloup (pieter.leloup@ugent.be ).

After the application deadline, all applications will be evaluated. Top-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview.