Research Position in Information Environment and Violent Extremism

FOI, the Total Defence Research Institute, is one of Europe’s leading institutes for applied research in defense and security. FOI is an authority under the Ministry of Defence, tasked with conducting research, method and technology development, and investigations to support total defense, disarmament, non-proliferation, and international security. Our operations are primarily commissioned by the Government Offices, the Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB). At FOI, we have about 1400 employees, over 1000 of whom work directly with research and development. Our competencies span the entire field from natural sciences and technology to social and political sciences.

Ref: 2025-24

Are you attracted to working on complex problems that contribute to the development of total defense, with a particular focus on information environments and violent extremism and terrorism? Then FOI could be your new workplace! We offer a balanced work life, a developing work environment, and a socially important job!

About the Position

As a researcher in the unit for information environment and influence, you will structure and analyze various issues for clients within total defense. This primarily involves understanding, mapping, and analyzing violent extremism and terrorism.

The work may involve conducting qualitative as well as quantitative analyses aimed at identifying, assessing, understanding, and explaining. Other assignments may involve method or process development, or assisting clients by compiling knowledge bases.

The assignments are carried out both independently and in project form together with colleagues at FOI and clients. Some tasks are performed under tight deadlines, while others allow for a long-term focus with time for in-depth study. The primary reporting format is written, through FOI reports, but the work may also involve conducting workshops with clients or giving presentations.

The position may involve placement with clients. Travel and training activities with inconvenient working hours may occur.

About the Unit

The position involves work as a researcher in the unit for information environment and influence within the Department of Defence Analysis. In the unit, we work on issues related to strategic communication, psychological defense, ideologically motivated violence, and social science perspectives on cyber issues. Please read more at: Defence Analysis.

Do You Have the Competence Profile We Need?

We are looking for someone who has:

• A PhD and at least three years of work experience in qualified analytical work related to threats that may affect Sweden in peace, crisis, and war.
• An academic degree in a social science subject.
• Good knowledge and substantial experience in research or analysis of violent extremism and terrorism in digital environments.
• The ability to express yourself well in both Swedish and English.

As a person, you collaborate well with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders. You have excellent problem-solving analytical skills that enable you to handle and analyze complex issues. You also thrive in independent work and have good personal maturity, allowing you to adapt your approach to the situation. The ability to translate analytical results into practical solutions, as well as to apply scientific methods in practice, is also important in this role. You can identify and convey relevant information regarding complex issues in a pedagogical manner to different target groups. We place great importance on personal qualities.

Meritorious are:

• Good knowledge of violent Islamist extremism.
• The ability to speak Arabic, Persian, Turkish, or other related languages. Knowledge must be verifiable upon request, either through documentation or testing.
• Experience in fieldwork in your research.
• Good knowledge of network analysis.
• Good knowledge of machine learning.

What Do We Offer You?

The Total Defence Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. We offer a unique workplace where you can work on what is important for total defense and society as a whole. The research is applied both within defense authorities and among civilian actors and plays a crucial role in building a relevant and effective defense capability.

We consciously work for a good work environment with a good balance between work and private life. In addition, we offer a range of benefits. Read more about what it is like to work with us: https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html)

The position is a permanent employment that may begin with a six-month probationary period.

Do you want to help find answers for a safer world?

Welcome with your application in the form of a CV and cover letter via the application button no later than February 2, 2025.

For more information about the position, please contact Sara Brunnberg. Union representatives are Marianna Serveta (Saco-S) and Lisa Bergsten (OFR/S – ST). All can be reached at 08-555 030 00.

As the position is classified, Swedish citizenship is required. Security screening with background checks will be conducted prior to employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). Prior to the security screening, certified copies of relevant education and service certificates will be requested.

FOI is an authority, meaning that submitted application documents become public records that can be disclosed to third parties upon request in accordance with the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act.

Offers from recruitment companies are declined.