Professor of Intelligence Studies (110902-1025)

About the Role

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.

About You
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.

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the 'Apply' button.

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

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