PhD Position Women in the Early Modern Language Sector

Karlstad University; Leiden; On-site; EUR 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Leiden University invites applications for a PhD position within the LangPro project: Professional Opportunities in the Early Modern Language Sector (1550-1650). The four-year, 1.0 fte position requires an MA or ResMA/MRes in history, early modern studies, literature or languages, with a minimum grade of 8.0.

International candidates are welcome but must relocate to the Netherlands. The successful candidate will work under the ERC Starting Grant, with supervision by dr.

Qualifications

• MA/ResMA with grade 8.0 or above on a ten-point scale for your thesis.
• Willing to relocate to the Netherlands for the duration of the project.
• Well-developed research skills with ability to formulate research questions and write persuasively.
• Interest in language sector and gender studies.
• Experience with or willingness to learn early modern handwriting in Dutch, English, German, and French.
• Full professional working proficiency in English (speaking, writing, reading).
• Proficiency in Dutch, German, or French (reading) or willingness to learn one; Latin is a bonus.
• Proven time-management skills.
• Team player and independent thinker.
• Ability to finish the proposed PhD research in 4 years.

Education

ResMA/MRes or MA in history/early modern studies/languages

Job description

PhD Position Women in the Early Modern Language Sector

Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

PhD position within the project LangPro: Professional Opportunities in the Early Modern Language Sector (1550-1650) (1.0 fte, 4 years)

The PhD candidate will be working within the ERC Starting Grant research project LangPro, funded for 2026-2031 by the European Research Council, and directed by dr. Alisa van de Haar (university lecturer in historical French literature at Leiden University). Prof. Nadine Akkerman (professor in early modern literature and culture at Leiden University) will be the co-supervisor of the PhD candidate.

International candidates are encouraged to apply but must be willing to relocate to the Netherlands for the duration of the project.

Your profile

• You hold a ResMA/MRes or MA with a specialisation in history, early modern studies, literature, or languages;
• Your ResMA/MA should be awarded by time of appointment, with a grade of 8.0 or above on a ten-point scale (distinction or equivalent) for your thesis. If the MA thesis is not yet finished, we invite you to provide contact details for your supervisor in your application letter so we may consult with them on your progress;
• You are willing to work up to 2 months in archives and libraries in the UK, Belgium, France, and Germany in year 1 and year 2 of the project, up to a total of 4 months for the duration of the project;
• You have well-developed research skills, including the ability to formulate creative research questions, descriptive and analytical skills, and a clear and persuasive style of writing;
• You have an interest in or affinity with the language sector and gender studies;
• You have experience with or are willing to learn about early modern (hand)writing in Dutch, English, German, and French;
• You have full professional working proficiency in English (speaking, writing, reading);
• You have professional working proficiency in Dutch, German, and/or French, (especially reading), or a willingness to learn one of these languages. Knowledge of Latin is a bonus;
• You have proven time-management skills;
• You are a team player and independent thinker;
• You have the ability to finish the proposed PhD research in 4 years.

Diversity & inclusion

Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

(Online) interviews will take place in the final week of October.

Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.

Job details

Title

PhD Position Women in the Early Modern Language Sector

Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.