Professor of Intelligence Studies (110902-1025)

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Matthew Clayton (Head of Department) at m.g.clayton@warwick.ac.uk

Applications are invited for an indefinite Professorship of Intelligence Studies in the Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS) at the University of Warwick to start as soon as possible in the calendar year 2026. The appointment will be made at FA9 of the University of Warwick salary scale.

We are interested in receiving applications from scholars with expertise in the work of intelligence and security agencies. In keeping with the department’s intellectual tradition and identity, we especially welcome applications from scholars whose work is anchored in Critical Intelligence Studies, Critical Terrorism Studies, and Critical Security Studies. The position is open with respect to research focus, although the successful candidate will need to demonstrate an ability to teach modules on intelligence ethics and be willing to work collaboratively with colleagues on the ethical dilemmas raised by intelligence operations in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and peacebuilding contexts. For this professorial-level appointment, it is expected that the applicant will have a track record of success with respect to external research funding, clear plans for achieving research impact and for strengthening existing departmental engagement with non-academic end users, whether in government, industry, or the think tank space. 

The Department currently has specialists in the politics of the United Kingdom, the EU, China, Japan, North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Nordic Region. Those with expertise in these or other geographical areas are welcome to apply. In recent years, the department has invested heavily in research that focuses on the countries and regions of the Global South. This remains a strategic priority for the department, alongside a firm commitment to expanding its strengths in the politics of the Anglosphere, especially contemporary British politics.   

The successful candidate will have achieved international eminence and authority for the quality and impact of their research and scholarship. They will be expected to produce high-quality research outputs in leading peer-reviewed journals and presses; to pursue competitive bids for external research funding, contract work and secondments; and to demonstrate a commitment to generating impact beyond the academy.

In addition, the post-holder will be expected to design and teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules related to Intelligence, Terrorism, Security, International Relations, War, Conflict, Strategy, and Policymaking. The person will have the opportunity to help shape our curriculum by offering modules in your research specialism. Additionally, they will support the supervision of dissertations at UG and PGT levels.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a track record of, or reflective engagement with, advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace, including efforts to promote gender and racial equality. A demonstrable commitment to inclusive teaching practices—particularly in relation to supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those with disabilities and the implementation of reasonable adjustments—is essential. Experience with decolonising the curriculum and anti-racist, intersectional, or other critical pedagogical approaches is highly desirable.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PAIS is one of the UK’s leading Politics and International Studies departments: in the 2025 The Times/The Sunday Times Good University Guide PAIS ranked 4th of the 80 UK Politics Departments; in REF2021 and REF2014 we were awarded 100% 4* for research environment; and since 2016 PAIS has ranked as number 1 or 2 for ‘overall satisfaction’ in Russell Group for Politics in the National Student Survey (NSS).

We are a diverse and inclusive community. We are committed to embedding the values of dignity, equality, freedom, and justice in our practices, including widening opportunity for both students and staff.

The Department’s core intellectual aim is to sustain a rich and welcoming environment as a methodologically and theoretically pluralist department with a broad and inclusive understanding of what it means to undertake research and teaching in Politics and International Studies.

We offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including a suite of double-degree MAs with partner institutions. We also have a vibrant PhD programme.

PAIS holds an Athena Swan silver award, a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all in academia. We provide a welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment. We recognise that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected, and valued. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment in which all colleagues can thrive. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those from racially minoritised, disabled, LGBTQIA+, and economically disadvantaged communities. We actively champion a culture of inclusion, intellectual curiosity, and innovation across our diverse department.

To find out more about the department please visit our website:  https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK. 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.*

Find out more about us on our website.

* QS World University Rankings 2024, Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 22nd October 2025 at 23:55 (BST)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline.

You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter and three expert referees. 

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should include:

• How you meet the job description criteria
• Your teaching expertise and interests
• Your research objectives and aspirations
• Details on how you will attract funding
• What makes your research distinctive
• How you would develop collaborations within PAIS and externally.

For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here.

Please also include a copy of your best publication in the last 5 years.

You are welcome to include details of any career breaks or periods of disrupted work that may have affected your professional trajectory. This may include, but is not limited to, parental or caring responsibilities, long-term illness or disability, part-time or precarious employment, secondments, or disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognise that academic careers take varied paths, and we are committed to assessing all applications equitably and in context.

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: To be confirmed

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.