PhD Position (1.0 FTE) in the project Epistemic Actors

The Institute for History at the University of Leiden invites applications for:

a PhD Position (1.0 FTE) in the project Epistemic Actors

The PhD candidate will become part of the NWO-funded project “Epistemic Actors. The role of Indonesians in the making of (scientific) knowledge in the colonial era”, led by dr. Fenneke Sysling. The PhD position is fully funded. The expected starting date is 1 May2025 and the position is for a period of 4 years.

Project description:
Who is behind a successful scientist? In colonial Indonesia, it was local informants and assistants. They provided information scientists needed or collected plants or animals. In this project, the focus is on these Indonesian epistemic actors and the role they have played in the making of (scientific) knowledge in (and about) colonial and postcolonial Indonesia (1850-today). This includes their contribution to Western scientific knowledge but also their influence on local knowledge communities. The PhD in the project will develop a case study within this framework, with a focus on anthropology or natural history. A field trip to Indonesia is included in the project.

Key responsibilities:

• Completion of a PhD thesis within four years;
• Participation in meetings of the project research group;
• Presentations of intermediate research results at workshops and conferences;
• Participation in the training programme of the Graduate School;
• Co-organizing workshops and conferences.
• Limited teaching duties in the second and third year

Requirements for PhD candidates:

• An RMA or MA in history or a related field, held by time of appointment, with an MA thesis of high quality. 
• Familiarity with Indonesian history and/or the history of science and knowledge;
• Well-developed archival and research skills; oral history skills will be an asset.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; 
• Good command of English and Dutch. Knowledge of Indonesian will be an asset.
• Good writing skills

Information
For more information, including a full description of the project, contact dr. Fenneke Sysling, f.h.sysling@hum.leidenuniv.nl

About our organisation
Since its founding in 1575, Leiden University has acquired an international reputation for excellent teaching and research. With its staff of over 800, the Faculty of Humanities provides 26 Bachelors and 27 Masters programmes for over 7,200 students based at locations in Leiden and The Hague. The Institute for History is the home of a vibrant community of researchers and lecturers with outstanding track records and successful in attracting national and international research grants. 

Under the label ‘Global Questions, Local Sources’ scholars affiliated to the Institute combine a deep knowledge of global interactions and of specific localities, regions and states in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. They use comparative, connective and entangled approaches and resort to qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

All researchers of the Institute for History are connected to one of the six research specializations: The Unification of the Mediterranean World (400 BC – 400 AD), Collective Identities and Transnational Networks in Medieval and Early Modern Europe, 1000-1800, Political Culture and National Identities, Colonial and Global History, Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence, and History and International Relations. For more information on the Institute for History: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities/institute-for-history/phd-programme.

Diversity and Inclusion
Leiden University’s Institute for History embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized backgrounds to apply.

Terms and Conditions
We offer a full-time position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from € 2.901,- to € 3.707,- gross per month (pay scale P, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions 

Applications: 
Applications should be submitted in English and include a: 

• Cover letter; please include in your letter why you want to do a PhD, why you are interested in working on this project and what makes you a good candidate for this position. What skills, competences and experiences do you have that will benefit the project and enhance the project team?
• Research proposal (maximum 400 words) which states how you would approach the themes of the project. What case studies would you choose? Are there any concepts you would apply? 
• Curriculum vitae, including publications (if applicable);
• Copy of MA thesis; 

Applications should be submitted no later than 2 February 2025 via the blue button in our application system. Please quote the vacancy number in your application. All requested documents should be sent in PDF format.

An interview with the search committee is part of the procedure. A list of two referees (with email addresses and phone numbers) will be required at a later stage of the application. You do not need to enter details about referees at this stage.