Postdoctoral Fellow in Crime Science

Join an international Horizon Europe research project investigating emerging forms of radicalisation and violent extremism.

• Contribute to cutting-edge research on radicalisation, extremism and emerging security threats.
• Eighteen-month, part-time postdoctoral research position with career development and mentoring opportunities
• Work with an international, multidisciplinary research consortium at a leading centre for crime science.

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

Te Puna Haumaru Centre for Security and Crime Science invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to ONLIVES (Anticipating and Countering Fluid Criminal and Violent Extremism), a three-year Horizon Europe research project involving academic institutions, law enforcement and other partners across Europe, Canada and Aotearoa New Zealand.

ONLIVES seeks to improve understanding of emerging forms of criminal and violent extremism that increasingly transcend traditional ideological categories and intersect with other forms of criminality. The project combines research with strategic foresight to better understand how these threats are evolving and help policymakers and practitioners anticipate and prepare for future developments.

The University of Waikato leads Work Package 2 (Problem Scanning), which will develop a forward-looking approach to evidence synthesis. This involves identifying and examining the drivers of radicalisation and extremism, investigating emerging signals of change, and integrating evidence into a systems map to inform the project's wider foresight and policy development activities.

Working closely with the Work Package Lead and international research partners, you will contribute to several interconnected research activities, including a rapid evidence assessment, a Delphi study involving international subject-matter experts, and a futures-oriented systematic review. You will help design and undertake research, critically analyse and synthesise evidence, contribute to academic publications and policy-facing outputs, and coordinate the work of Research Assistants.

This position offers an opportunity to apply and extend your expertise in radicalisation and extremism while developing skills in systematic evidence synthesis, futures and foresight methodologies, and systems thinking. You will be supported in learning and applying these methods and encouraged to contribute intellectually to the development of innovative research approaches.

Salary will be $92,603 per year pro rata, based on the skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is an 18-month, fixed-term, part-time role at 0.5 FTE (18.75 hours per week), based at our Hillcrest Campus in Hamilton, with options for remote working arrangements.

For more information on the role, please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact AProf Lisa Tompson, Centre Director, at lisa.tompson@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You will be an emerging researcher with a strong background in understanding radicalisation and extremism, and a desire to contribute to research that informs the prevention of crime and harm. You will have a PhD in criminology, psychology, sociology, political science, security studies or another relevant discipline, together with demonstrated research expertise in radicalisation, violent extremism and/or terrorism.

You will also bring:

• Strong knowledge of relevant theoretical and empirical scholarship concerning radicalisation and extremism, including the drivers and contexts of extremist behaviour.
• Demonstrated aptitude for rigorous research, including the ability to critically evaluate evidence, identify patterns and gaps, and draw well-supported conclusions.
• Experience conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research, with strong analytical and interpretive skills.
• Intellectual curiosity and an openness to exploring emerging research questions, alternative perspectives and unfamiliar methodological approaches.
• Excellent academic writing and communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to academic and non-academic audiences.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage research activities independently while meeting agreed deadlines.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to work constructively with colleagues, Research Assistants and international partners.
• A willingness to learn and apply new research methodologies, particularly systematic evidence synthesis and futures-oriented approaches.
• A demonstrated commitment to the University's partnership with Māori as intended by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and to ethical, inclusive and responsible research practice.

Experience with systematic reviews or other forms of evidence synthesis, futures and foresight methods, interdisciplinary research, or engagement with policymakers and practitioners will be advantageous, but is not essential.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

Te Wānanga o Ngā Kete the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences (ALPSS) is a large and dynamic Division that includes Te Kura Toi the School of Arts, Te Kura Whatu Oho Mauri the School of Psychological and Social Sciences, and Te Rākau Kotahi the School of Law, Politics, and Philosophy.

Te Puna Haumaru Centre for Security and Crime Science is dedicated to producing high-quality empirical research that improves efforts to reduce crime and harm in New Zealand. The Centre provides a creative, supportive and questioning environment for learning and is committed to serving the educational needs of Māori communities locally and nationally while preparing graduates for careers in crime prevention and related professions.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Sunday 8 November, 2026

Requisition Number: 1003985