Job Advertisement: Legal Researcher in EU Law and Total Defense

The Total Defense Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. The research spans several areas, including underwater, cyber defense, space, electronic warfare, sensor systems, civil defense, CBRNe (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive substances), military platforms including weapons and protection, as well as security policy analyses. FOI's research plays a key role in building Sweden's defense capability.

Do you have a strong interest in EU legal issues related to defense and security? Do you want to contribute your knowledge to make Sweden, the EU, and the world safer? Then you might be the one we are looking for. We offer a balanced work life, a developing work environment, and a socially important job!

About the Position

With us, you will work with research and analysis concerning EU legal perspectives on total defense and Swedish security. You will develop applied legal scientific research, where the goal is to translate legal research and analysis results into knowledge that is useful in areas such as national and international security as well as civil and military defense.

You will play an active role in shaping, leading, and executing projects for various clients. You may also work on research projects funded by grants and have the opportunity to apply for funding from external research financiers for self-initiated research projects. Your results are typically delivered in written form, but your tasks also include leading seminars and workshops as well as giving presentations.

You actively contribute to developing FOI's legal research and analytical capabilities. You perform tasks with a high degree of independence, but also work closely with colleagues and clients. Since you work in a multidisciplinary environment, you also contribute to meeting the need for legal perspectives in other projects within FOI.

About the Unit

You will be part of the Total Defense Law unit, which belongs to the Defense Analysis department. The unit studies the legal prerequisites for technology, method, and organizational development of significance for total defense. The activities encompass legal prerequisites for both national and international security as well as civil and military defense. Feel free to read more about what we do: Defense Analysis.

Do you have the competence profile we need?

Requirements

We are looking for someone who:

• is a Doctor of Law in EU law, or has at least five years of relevant experience in qualified legal work,
• is an experienced writer and has documented ability to adapt written presentations to different target groups,
• master Swedish very well, both in speech and writing,
• has documented experience in leading research, development, or investigation activities,
• has documented experience working in a multidisciplinary environment.

In addition to fitting the description above, you are a team player with a good ability to collaborate with both colleagues and clients. You relate to others in a responsive and smooth manner. You are self-driven and take responsibility for your work, which you carry out in a structured way to deliver requested results on time. You lead and motivate others to achieve common goals and create engagement and participation. You have a very good analytical ability, can consider multiple perspectives, and make balanced assessments so that our clients receive the best possible decision-making basis. You take initiative, start activities, and achieve results. We place great emphasis on your personal qualities.

Meritorious

It is meritorious if you have experience from working in the government office, at a total defense authority, or within an international organization or civil society organization.

What do we offer you?

The Total Defense 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 with civil 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

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

Do you want to be part of seeking answers for a safer world?

Welcome with your application in the form of a CV and cover letter via the application button by January 7, 2026!

For more information about the position, you are welcome to contact unit manager Jessica Appelgren. Union representatives are Monia Lougui (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. A security screening with a background check will be conducted prior to employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). For the security screening, certified copies of relevant education and service certificates will be requested.

FOI is an authority whereby submitted application documents become public documents that can be disclosed to third parties upon request according to the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act.

Offers from recruitment companies are declined.