Vacant job

The Swedish National Defence College (Försvarshögskolan) is an internationally prominent institution of higher education within the fields of defence, crisis management, and security.

The position is located at the Department of Defence Systems in Stockholm.

Description of the Field

Research and education on intelligence services and intelligence analysis are conducted at several departments within the Swedish National Defence College. The research demonstrates a significant breadth of scientific approaches and perspectives and has grown in scope and impact in recent years. Education takes place within the framework of civilian master's programs, military training, and commissioned training within the intelligence sector. Additionally, commissioned studies and reports are conducted for specific assignments. The Swedish National Defence College holds a unique position in the university sector within the intelligence field due to its close connection to practice.

The Swedish National Defence College is now making a substantial investment to gather and develop the study of intelligence services and intelligence analysis into a strong multidisciplinary research and education environment. To this end, the institution is receiving significant research funding from the Ministry of Defence. As a first step, the Swedish National Defence College has therefore established a Platform for Intelligence and Security Services in collaboration with authorities in the Swedish intelligence community to facilitate cooperation. At the Swedish National Defence College, the platform functions as a center bringing together researchers from the various departments. The goal is to create a nationally and internationally leading research and education environment that encompasses both basic and applied research from different scientific perspectives and approaches. The environment is intended to both competence- and knowledge-supply the intelligence system in an increasingly complex environment, as well as create conditions for academic growth and development in the field.

We are now seeking a researcher who will contribute to the development of the research and education environment. We are particularly looking for a person who can contribute to practice-oriented research. The position will be located at the Department of Defence Systems (IFS). The employment is directly linked to the long-term grant funding that the Swedish National Defence College receives for intelligence research.

Job Responsibilities

The researcher's duties are primarily independent research and commissioned research within the field of intelligence studies as defined by the grant funding. The duties include a specific responsibility for practice-oriented research regarding Swedish conditions and, therefore, also for contacts with the surrounding society aimed at collaborative research. Additionally, some teaching, supervision, and educational development within the framework of the Swedish National Defence College's education programs will be included. The position may also involve conducting studies.

The work involves following and contributing to the development within the field, both nationally and internationally, and the general societal development that is relevant to the work. As a researcher, you will share knowledge and contribute to the Swedish National Defence College's professional development, collegial working methods, and social community.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for you who have:

• A doctoral degree with a relevant focus for the position
• Conducted practice-oriented intelligence research documented through peer-reviewed publications
• Researched and published on Swedish intelligence services

Merits include:

• Experience working with intelligence services or their governance
• Experience in collaborative research and cooperation within knowledge building in the intelligence system
• Experience in leading personnel

Personal Qualities

For all positions at the college, the applicant must possess the personal qualities required to fulfill the employment. All employees are expected to collaborate and treat colleagues and students with respect, take responsibility for the operations and their own tasks, and contribute to a good work environment.

For this position, collaboration skills are particularly important. We are looking for you who have personal qualities that facilitate cooperation with the various parts of the Swedish National Defence College, with other research and education environments, as well as with representatives of authorities and the Government Offices. You also have the personal qualities that enable you to contribute to the development of the research and education environment at the Swedish National Defence College.

About the Employment

Employment as a researcher is a permanent full-time position at the Department of Defence Systems (IFS). The position is linked to the grant funding for intelligence research and the Platform for Intelligence and Security Services at the Swedish National Defence College.

For more information on qualifications, assessment criteria, application procedures, and other important details regarding teaching positions at the Swedish National Defence College, please visit the Swedish National Defence College website (https://www.fhs.se/om-forsvarshogskolan/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-jobb.html?query=Externa&locale=sv).

A position at the Swedish National Defence College may involve a security clearance according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585).

The employment may also involve war-time placement. If you are already war-time placed in your current employment at an authority and your competence is needed in the Swedish National Defence College's war organization, negotiations will take place between the relevant authority and the Swedish National Defence College regarding where you should be placed.

Start Date

By agreement.

Salary and Benefits

The Swedish National Defence College applies individual salary setting. More information about benefits can be found on the Swedish National Defence College website (https://www.fhs.se/om-forsvarshogskolan/jobba-hos-oss/formaner.html).

Application

The application should include:

• A CV listing professional and academic merits and publications
• A cover letter with your motivation for applying for this position
• A statement of intent specifically describing the planned research
• A complete list of publications
• A maximum of 10 cited publications

If possible, please upload all documents digitally. Cited monographs/books (which are not digital) should be clearly indicated in the attached publication list. Send these to the address below and mark with case number HR 120/2026.

Swedish National Defence College
Attn: Registrar
Drottning Kristinas väg 37
P.O. Box 278 05 | 115 93 Stockholm

The application is submitted via the Swedish National Defence College's recruitment system by clicking the link "Log in and apply for the job" on the advertisement page. Mark your application with case number HR 120/2026. Your application must be received no later than July 24, 2026.

The complete application must be received by the Swedish National Defence College no later than midnight on the last day of application, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

We welcome your application by July 24, 2026!