Vacant job

About the Workplace

The position is located in Stockholm at the Department of Defence Systems, Swedish Defence University (Försvarshögskolan). At the Swedish Defence University, there is a newly established interdisciplinary Platform for Intelligence and Security Services. Please read more about the platform here: https://www.fhs.se/forskning/natverk-och-samarbeten/plattform-for-underrattelse--och-sakerhetstjanst.html (https://www.fhs.se/forskning/natverk-och-samarbeten/plattform-for-underrattelse--och-sakerhetstjanst.html).

Description

Intelligence services are characterized by significant uncertainty, an adversary that misleads and protects its secrets, and the fact that the consequences of operations are substantial. Measures taken influence processes, and decision-making at the national level is difficult to model. Furthermore, the events that intelligence analysis must understand and predict are rarely common. Collectively, this creates an information environment that is challenging in many respects.

At the same time, recent technological developments, particularly in artificial intelligence, have raised hopes for using large datasets to improve intelligence analysis. This is often associated with so-called Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), where open or commercially available information is analyzed, but also applies more generally to the various types of data collected by intelligence services.

The Department of Defence Systems is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to study the possibilities of using data and systems science methods to improve intelligence analysis. This includes, but is not limited to, various forms of artificial intelligence. The research is applied and may be conducted in collaboration with authorities and companies, implying cooperation with practitioners.

At the Swedish Defence University, there is a focus on intelligence and security services within the framework of a newly launched Platform. A development area involves new technology and big data. The postdoctoral work is independent but will be carried out within the framework of the Platform for Intelligence and Security Services and should connect with other ongoing research at the Swedish Defence University, thereby enabling future research applications and education.

Job Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to make independent contributions to the research area. Specifically, you are expected to develop methods relevant to intelligence analysis. The role also involves contributing to the research and educational environment within intelligence and security services at the Swedish Defence University.

The duties include disseminating research results at conferences and in peer-reviewed scientific publications. The work is conducted in close collaboration with other researchers at the Swedish Defence University. Contract research may be included. Administrative tasks and teaching-related duties will constitute up to 20% of the work.

Studying intelligence services presents special challenges due to secrecy and security protection. However, the research within the project should be designed in a way that does not require access to security-classified information.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who has:

• A doctoral degree (or equivalent) in a field relevant to the position, such as data and systems science, data science, or engineering science, completed no later than at the time of the employment decision.
• Good proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Qualifications that are meritorious include:

• An interest in – and preferably documented experience of – working with the challenges in the information environment that intelligence analysis entails, and a desire to develop methods to handle them.
• An interdisciplinary profile: If you have a PhD in a technical subject, we would prefer that you also have a basic degree in social sciences or humanities. If you have a PhD in a social science or intelligence-related subject, we would prefer that you also have a basic degree in a technical or natural science subject.
• Meritorious experience for the position includes:
  • Working with data in areas with challenges similar to those of intelligence analysis
  • Development of methods for:
    • Collection and structuring of quantitative data
    • Data quality
    • Data analysis
  • Use of AI in method development
  • Research in areas relevant to intelligence and security services
  • Work with secrecy and security protection
  • Publication of peer-reviewed scientific articles
  • Work with intelligence services

Applicants who have obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years prior to the employment decision will be prioritized. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, trust positions within trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

Personal Qualities

You work independently, systematically, and with high precision. Furthermore, you have excellent communication and collaboration skills. We will place great emphasis on your personal qualities.

About the Position

This is a fixed-term full-time (100%) position for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

Employment at the Swedish Defence University may involve a security check according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585).

The position may also involve war posting. If you are already war-posted in your current employment at an authority and your skills are needed in the Swedish Defence University's war organization, a negotiation will take place between the relevant authority and the Swedish Defence University regarding your placement.

Start Date

Start date as soon as possible, according to agreement.

Application

Your application should include:

• A cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for this position
• Your CV, including a publication list and (planned) date of doctoral degree
• A research plan of max. 2 pages describing your research interest and approach to this specific project
• Your previous publications relevant to this position (max. 10)

Apply via the Swedish Defence University's recruitment system by clicking the link "Log in and apply for the job" on the ad page. Mark your application with ref. HR 121/2026. Your application must be submitted no later than August 28, 2026.

The complete application must be received by the Swedish Defence University by midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time) on the last day of application.