Postdoc Candidate for the project "Climate Citizenship"

Leiden University's Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (CADS) is looking for
 
Postdoc Candidate for the project “Climate Citizenship” (2 years, 0.8 fte)

We welcome applications for a Postdoc position in the project “Climate Citizenship: Infrastructures, Environments, and Democracy in the Era of Climate Change,” funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant (ERC-StG). The project is led by Principal Investigator Dr. Andrew Littlejohn and hosted by Leiden University’s Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology.
 
Climate Citizenship explores how adapting environments to climate change through new forms of nature-based infrastructure reshapes people's relationships with each other and the state. Examples range from green roofs and vertical gardens to urban parks, flood plains and more ambitious efforts to transform landscapes. The project treats these infrastructures as social and political as well as environmental experiments. It asks: when and how do they stimulate behavioural change, create new alliances between stakeholders, or transform the division of rights and responsibilities within a society?
 
The case studies will employ an “ecographic” approach combining quantitative data from the ecological and material sciences with qualitative data gathered through ethnographic methods such as participant observation. As a Postdoc, you will help to develop this approach. You will visit scientists researching and/or working on green infrastructure projects in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States and interview them on their methods. You will then analyse what kinds of data and techniques the PhD researchers will need familiarity with, and where in the process of gathering ecological data ethnographic methods and insights can be interpolated.
 
What you will do

• Conduct interviews and observations with scientists in the Tokyo Bay area (Japan), the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt Delta (the Netherlands), and Louisiana Delta (the United States);
• Assist the PI in developing an “ecographic” approach and an ecographic protocol for the PhD candidates;
• Write a peer-reviewed journal article with the PI on ecographic methods and their potential;
• Contribute to fine-tuning the research agendas of the PhD candidates through evaluating their proposals and participating in regular team meetings (online where necessary).

 
You will be part of a team also comprising two PhD candidates and the PI. The entire team is expected to reside in the Netherlands and work from Leiden for the duration of the project, except during fieldwork.
 
What you bring

• PhD in Science and Technology Studies, Cultural Anthropology, or another relevant social science (if your PhD is not in Science and Technology Studies, you must have demonstrated expertise in the social study of science or interdisciplinary research methods);
• Demonstrated passion for developing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects and approaches;
• Experience with independently coordinating and conducting ethnographic research, and ideally, some experience with quantitative and/or ecological research methods;
• Excellent research and writing skills as demonstrated by a track record of scholarly publications commensurate with your career stage;
• Excellent command of English (speaking and writing);
• Independent work attitude and demonstrable ability to work in a team.

 
Where you will work
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences consists of five institutes: Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Education and Child Studies, Political Science, and Psychology. The faculty has approximately 7000 students and 1000 staff members. Within the institutes, not only education is provided but also groundbreaking research is conducted that pushes the boundaries of our understanding of human behaviour and societal structures. What makes our faculty unique is the diversity of research topics, the various styles of teaching, and the way professional support is organized; this provides you with the opportunity to explore and develop your interests and expertise. Visit our website for an impression: Welcome to the Leiden Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences - Leiden University.
 
Leiden University's Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (CADS)
Leiden University's Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology concentrates on 'global vulnerability and social resilience'. The institute has three main themes: diversity, sustainability, and digitalisation. CADS is dedicated to making a real-world impact, not just studying change, but also working with communities to promote positive change through education and research. We use a unique approach that blends qualitative, quantitative, audiovisual, and digital methods based on ethnographic fieldwork.
 
With our unique blend of interdisciplinary interests, comparative regional studies, and social science research methods, we emphasize our role in the extensive collaborative network within Leiden University. In both our research and education, we engage in extensive interdisciplinary and international networks.

What we offer
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving, and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.
 
You can expect an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.
 
We also offer:

• A 0,8 fte employment contract, initially for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension for a second year after a positive evaluation. This contract falls under the Collective Labour Agreements (CLA) of Dutch Universities;
• A salary of a minimum of € 4,060 and a maximum of € 5,331 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale 10.4-10.12); with increments based on the CLA.
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. 
• Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. 

More here: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions
 
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 mean inclusive education and research.
 
Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.
If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact: Dr. Andrew Littlejohn, Assistant Professor at a.l.littlejohn@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

You can apply until March 31, 2025; applications will be processed immediately.
Online interviews will be held with shortlisted candidates in April-May 2025. The intended starting date is August 2025.

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter explaining your motivation for working in the climate citizenship project (maximum 2 pages);
• Curriculum vitae (CV), including publications (maximum 2 pages);
• A short research proposal (maximum 500 words) in which you outline your approach to the role described above;
• A copy of either a representative publication or your PhD thesis;
• Names and contact details of two referees.

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

• 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