PhD in Data Governance for Equitable and Sustainable Digital Food Systems (DigiFood Project

PhD in Data Governance for Equitable and Sustainable Digital Food Systems (DigiFood Project), 1.0 FTE

The Van Vollenhoven Institute for Law, Governance and Society (VVI) invites applications for three PhD Researchers (1.0 FTE, 4 years) from February 2026 – February 2030 to join the DigiFood Project, an ERC-funded interdisciplinary and transnational research initiative examining how data governance frameworks can foster more sustainable and equitable food systems.

DigiFood investigates how emerging legal norms, institutional practices, and digital infrastructures are reshaping agrarian relations, with particular attention to the implications for small-scale food producers, peasants, and Indigenous communities in the Global South. A key dimension of the project is working in close collaboration with civil society organizations and social movements, to understand how they contest, reshape, and mobilize digital technologies in the struggle for more just and sustainable food systems.

The PhD will conduct original empirical socio-legal research on the legal and cultural dimensions of agricultural digitalization and data governance, focusing on one of three country case studies: India, Kenya, or Colombia. Each case study will be conducted by a dedicated PhD, generating comparative, cross-regional insights within the project.

What you will do
The PhD will join the DigiFood team, working closely with the Principal Investigator and a Postdoctoral Researcher. The position provides the opportunity to conduct original empirical research on agricultural data governance in the Global South, while also contributing to public engagement and the collaborative life of the project.

Academic Research

• Conduct socio-legal and policy analysis with key stakeholders in the selected country.
• Carry out participatory action research and ethnographic fieldwork with local communities.
• Write a doctoral dissertation and co-author academic publications based on qualitative research.
• Contribute to the project’s comparative framework across country case studies.

Communications & Engagement

• Present research findings at international conferences and workshops.
• Author blog posts and contribute to the project’s website on digital food systems and data governance.
• Co-develop and contribute to project podcasts and other public communication outputs.
• Help organize international workshops, conferences, and events with academic and civil society partners.

Where you will work  

The department
The Van Vollenhoven Institute for Law, Governance and Society (VVI) is part of the Leiden Law School. The VVI seeks to advance knowledge of the formation and functioning of legal systems in their social contexts, the impact of these systems on society and vice versa, their effectiveness in governance, and their contribution to development. The Institute adopts a socio-legal and global approach, doing research on law in the books and law in action in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. VVI staff teaches several socio-legal thematic and regional courses for both Dutch and foreign exchange students. In addition, VVI provides PhD supervision, advisory services and training courses to policy makers and practitioners. For more information, see www.vvi.leidenuniv.nl. 

The faculty
With over 6,500 students and 700 employees, the Faculty of Law is one of the largest faculties in the Netherlands, yet is characterised by its small scale despite its diversity. The faculty focuses on versatile education and research of a high standard, both nationally and internationally. Stimulating talent is a top priority for the faculty, which is housed in the beautifully restored Kamerlingh Onnes Building. Working for the Faculty of Law means working in an inspiring academic environment. For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/rechtsgeleerdheid.

What you bring
In our team, we are looking for someone who can work independently while also contributing to a collaborative environment. Since every position is unique, we will devote careful attention to your onboarding. If some aspects of the work are new to you, we will identify what support you need and develop a tailored plan for your professional growth.
We do not expect candidates to already have all the qualifications listed below. Training will be provided in areas such as socio-legal studies and the specificities of digital agriculture and data governance. That said, this position will be a good fit for you if you recognize yourself in many of the following:

• A MSc or LLM in Law, Anthropology, Development Studies, Science and Technology Studies, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting empirical research, ideally in the country or region for which you are applying.
• Interest and ability in engaging in independent fieldwork for at least nine months.
• Knowledge of digital agriculture and/or data governance, especially in relation to equity and sustainability.
• Familiarity with socio-legal literature and qualitative research methods.
• Experience working with social movements and civil society actors—ideally with peasant and Indigenous communities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary and international research team.
• Familiarity with one of the project’s country contexts (Colombia, Kenya, or India) is an asset.
• Fluency in either Spanish, Hindi, or Kiswahili (note that while research may be conducted in regions with other local languages, fluency in national languages is expected).

What we offer 

• An employment contract for the duration of four years;
• This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities; The monthly salary is a minimum of € 3.059 and a maximum of €3.881 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale P);
• 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.
• 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 or bicycle scheme, and we also offer child-care options;
• 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. (If applicable for the position)

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden 

What we find important 
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more? 
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.
Would you like more information about the content of this function? Please contact Dr. Matthew Canfield (m.c.canfield@law.leidenuniv.nl). Applications can be submitted until 9 October 2025

To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application in English addressed to Dr. Matthew Canfield by using the blue button at the top of this text. Interviews are scheduled in early October. Please include with your application the following:

• A cover letter stating your motivation for this position;
• A curriculum vitae;
• Transcripts from your bachelors and masters degrees;
• A major writing sample (i.e Master’s thesis, article, or other class paper);
• Names of 2 – 3 academic references. 

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden 

• In choosing between candidates, in case of equal suitability, preference will be given to internal candidates, women, the occupationally disabled and employees with a migration background.
• A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG) may be part of the selection procedure. 
• Leiden University expects lecturers to obtain the Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO). If the new employee does not yet have this qualification or its equivalent, he or she must be prepared to obtain this qualification within two years.
• 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