A PhD position in Business and Management, Social Sciences, Media and Communication at Leiden University, based in Leiden, Netherlands. Applications close on 7 Nov 2026. The listing states that the position is paid.
At a glance
- Opportunity
- PhD position
- Location
- Leiden, Netherlands
- Funding / pay
- Paid
- Application source
- AcademicTransfer
Project summary
- Develop a research proposal in the context of the overall project theme, and conduct twelve months of ethnographic research in South Africa. An ethics review and contribution to the data management plan are included in the proposal development. Research includes document/policy analysis, participant observation, interviews, and the application of participatory visual storytelling methods.
- Analyse research findings and write a dissertation that contributes to the objectives of the ‘Entangled with Seaweed’ project.
- Actively contribute to the output and dissemination of the research project, which includes collaborating with the other team members on academic and non-academic publications, science communication, and the organization of workshops, seminars and an exhibition.
- Participate in relevant PhD-courses and masterclasses, organized in accordance with the guidelines of the Faculty of Social Science and the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology. PhD-courses at Stellenbosch University, our partner in the project, can be included in the individual training and supervision plan as well.
- Participate in the PhD programme and other academic activities of the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden University. During your stay in South Africa you will also be able to participate in the PhD-programme at the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology at Stellenbosch University.
- A Master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Environmental Humanities or another relevant discipline within the social sciences or humanities.
- Demonstrable excellent qualitative research skills and experience with ethnographic fieldwork.
- Affinity with the topics of sustainability and environmental justice.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong command of English;
- Knowledge of one of the other official languages of South Africa is a bonus.
- Excellent social and organisational skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team.
- PHD: An employment contract for 38 hours per week as a PhD candidate, initially for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension for 3 years after a positive evaluation. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
- A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
- Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
- Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
- If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
- A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone.
- A letter explaining your motivation to apply for a PhD-position, and more specifically for such a position within the project (maximum of 2 pages);
- A copy of your Bachelor and Master degree with a course and grade list;
- A summary of how you would design the ethnographic research in South Africa (maximum of 500 words);
- The names and contact details of two referees who can be contacted to provide information on your qualifications and strengths (we are not asking for a referee report at this stage of the application procedure).
- We believe mobility is very important. That is why we are also publishing this vacancy internally. In case of equal suitability, we will give priority to the internal candidate.
- A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
- Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid
Application documents
- A curriculum vitae (CV) (maximum of 2 pages);
What's offered
- A salary between €3204 - €4051 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (PhD student);
- Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
Before you apply
0 of 4 readyA preparation checklist, saved on this device. The official posting determines eligibility and required documents.
How to apply
Apply via AcademicTransfer before 7 Nov 2026. Confirm the current requirements there.
Source and listing information
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