About the role

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Matthew Clayton (Head of Department) on mgclayton@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 commence as soon as possible in calendar year 2026. The appointment will be made to FA9 of the University of Warwick payroll.

We are interested in receiving applications from scholars with experience in the work of intelligence and security services. In keeping with the department’s intellectual tradition and identity, we particularly welcome applications from scholars whose work is grounded in critical intelligence studies, critical terrorism studies, and critical security studies. The position is open in relation to research focus, although the successful candidate will need to demonstrate the ability to teach modules on intelligence ethics and be willing to work collaboratively with colleagues on ethical dilemmas raised by intelligence operations in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and peacebuilding contexts. For this professorship-level appointment, the applicant is expected to have a proven track record of success in relation to external research funding, clear plans for achieving research impact and enhancing existing departmental engagement with non-academic end-users, whether in government, industry or intellectual domain.

The department currently includes policy specialists in the UK, EU, China, Japan, North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the Nordic region. People with experience in these or other geographic areas are welcome to apply. In recent years, the Department has invested significantly in research focusing on countries and regions of the Global South. This remains a strategic priority for the Department, alongside a firm commitment to expanding its strengths in Anglo-Peripheral politics, particularly contemporary British politics.

About you
The successful candidate will have achieved international recognition and authority for the quality and impact of their research and scholarship. They are expected to produce high-quality research output in leading peer-reviewed journals and presses; To pursue competitive bids for funding external research, contract work and secondments; and demonstrate a commitment to making an 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 and conflict, strategy and policy making. One will have the opportunity to help shape our curriculum by offering modules in your research discipline. In addition, they will support the supervision of theses at UG and PGT level.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a track record or reflective engagement in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace, including efforts to advance gender and racial equity. A clear commitment to inclusive teaching practices – particularly regarding supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds, including people with disabilities and implementing reasonable adjustments – is essential. Experience in decolonizing anti-racist, intersectional, or other curriculum and pedagogical approaches is highly desirable.

Full details of duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advertisement on the University of Warwick careers pages. You will be directed to this when you click the Apply button.

Closing deadline: Wednesday 22 October 2025 at 23:55 (BST).