Job Advertisement: Legal Researcher in Total Defense and Security

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

Do you have a strong interest in public law 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 on research and analysis concerning public law perspectives on total defense and Swedish security. You will develop applied legal 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 usually delivered in written form, but you also need to have the ability to lead seminars and workshops and present results to an audience.

You actively contribute to developing FOI's legal research and analytical capacity. 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 conditions for technology, method, and organizational development of significance for total defense. The activities encompass legal conditions for both national and international security as well as civil and military defense. Please 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 Swedish public 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 spoken and written,
• has documented experience in leading research, development, or investigative 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 very good analytical skills, can take into account several different 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 importance on your personal qualities.

Meritorious

It is meritorious if you have experience from working in the government offices, 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 authority conducting world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. We offer a unique workplace where you have the opportunity to work on what is important for total defense and society as a whole. The research is applied both within defense authorities and among 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 to this, 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 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 no later than 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 clearance with background check will be conducted before employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). For the security clearance, certified copies of relevant education and service certificates will be requested.

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

Offers from recruitment companies are not welcome.