Assistant Professor in Political Science Intelligence and National Security Open-Source Intelligence OSINT in University of Calgary – Canada

Summary

The University of Calgary invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Political Science, specializing in intelligence and national security, with a focus on open-source intelligence (OSINT). This position is linked to the Canada Impact+ Research Chair initiative, specifically the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Canada Intelligence Security Changing Global Order. The successful candidate will be an Emerging Leader, expected to conduct innovative research, secure external funding, teach at undergraduate and graduate levels, and supervise students. Applicants must hold a PhD in Political Science or a related discipline and demonstrate research excellence in intelligence studies. The role involves collaboration with the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair and contributing to the Centre for Military, Security, and Strategic Studies (CMSS). The application deadline is October 30, 2026, with a start date on or before July 1, 2027. Candidates must be internationally based at the time of recruitment.

Key Facts

Department	Department Political Science
Position Type	Assistant Professor
Discipline	Political Science
Degree Required	PhD or equivalent in Political Science or a related discipline
Funding	Canada Impact+ Research Chair initiative, particularly the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair Canada Intelligence Security Changing Global Order
Contract Duration	Tenure-track, full-time
Deadline	2026-10-30
Employer Address	Main Campus – 2500 University Drive NW Calgary Alberta T2N 1N4 CANADA
Employer Contact	Dr. Robert Huebert [email protected]

About the Project

The research project focuses on intelligence and national security, with a particular emphasis on open-source intelligence (OSINT). The successful candidate, as an Emerging Leader, will contribute to the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Canada Intelligence Security Changing Global Order. This involves exploring the role of intelligence and Canada's national security policy in a new geopolitical order. The research will be transdisciplinary, aiming to understand how governments and other actors can exploit publicly available information to improve situational awareness, identify emerging threats, and understand adversary behavior. Specific workstreams may include Open-Source Arctic Security Observation Unit and Public Attitudes and Expectations toward Security Intelligence in Canada. The project aims to translate capabilities into sustained research, graduate training, collaborative projects, and policy engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the research and societal impact objectives of the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair Canada Intelligence Security Changing Global Order.
• Develop a research program designed to maximize policy engagement and societal impact in the field of contemporary intelligence security studies.
• Develop and sustain an independent, externally funded research program leading to peer-reviewed publication of national and international standing.
• Teach effectively at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including courses in the candidate's area of specialization across various formats, settings, and modalities.
• Supervise and mentor graduate students at MA and PhD levels.
• Contribute to the collegial governance of the Department, Faculty of Arts, University, and wider scholarly public community.
• Conduct innovative, high-impact research, secure external funding, build partnerships, contribute to teaching and curriculum development, and advance knowledge mobilization, innovation, commercialization, policy, and broader societal impact.

Required Skills

• PhD or equivalent in Political Science or a related discipline.
• Specialization in intelligence and international security studies.
• Ability to establish an independent research program aligned with strategic priority areas and conduct transdisciplinary research.
• Proven success in research and teaching intelligence studies.
• Track record of policy-relevant research engagement with political and policy stakeholders in both private and public sectors.
• Experience and expertise in international intelligence cooperation, open-source intelligence analysis (with specific reference to large qualitative data sets), and public attitudes toward security intelligence.
• Expertise within arctic security (an asset).
• Growing reputation in the multidisciplinary field of intelligence studies.
• Strong portfolio of first-rate published work on contemporary security intelligence issues (an asset).
• Expertise in issues related to international intelligence cooperation, acquisition and exploitation of open-source intelligence, and new challenges facing policy-makers.
• Experience engaging high-level political policy organizations and providing evidence to parliamentary bodies (complementary).
• Experience communicating research to media and the wider public (a benefit).

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for an early career researcher with a PhD in Political Science or a related discipline, specializing in intelligence and international security studies, particularly open-source intelligence. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in research and teaching intelligence studies, policy-relevant research engagement, and a strong portfolio of published work. Experience in international intelligence cooperation, large qualitative data sets, public attitudes toward security intelligence, and arctic security is highly valued. Candidates must be internationally based at the time of recruitment, with expatriate Canadians welcome to apply.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits and pension program.

About the Employer

The University of Calgary is an entrepreneurial university located in Calgary, Canada. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age, founded in 1966. It has 36,000 students and offers an innovative learning environment with rich research, hands-on experiences, and entrepreneurial thinking. The university is a leader in the creation of start-ups. It has an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy, ii' taa'poh'to'p, committing to creating a culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples and encourages Indigenous community partnerships. Calgary is one of the world's cleanest and most livable cities, with many days of sunshine, a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events, and less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains. It boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the start date for this position?

The start date for the appointment is on or before July 1, 2027.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 30, 2026.

What is the required academic qualification for this role?

Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent in Political Science or a related discipline.

Is expertise in arctic security required?

Expertise within arctic security would be an asset, though not required.

Where is the University of Calgary located?

The University of Calgary is located at Main Campus, 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.

Are international candidates eligible to apply?

Yes, candidates must be internationally based at the time of recruitment, working and residing outside Canada. Expatriate Canadians wishing to relocate to Canada are welcome to apply.