Research Assistant Non/Human Music in Contemporary Speculative Fiction (0,7 fte)

The LUCAS Institute at the Faculty of Humanities of the Leiden University and is looking for a Research Assistant for the the government-funded project “Tracing Players Playing Traces: Non/Human Music in Modern and Contemporary Literature” for 0,7 fte.

Work and profile

• In this position, you form a part of the government-funded project “Tracing Players Playing Traces: Non/Human Music in Modern and Contemporary Literature”. You will assist the Principal Investigator (PI) and Postdoctoral Researcher (PR) in undertaking research and project administration related to the technological and non/human aspects of music creation and performance in contemporary speculative fiction. This will mainly involve:

  • Exploratory research in the area of speculative fiction and music technology;
  • Establishing and maintaining a database of textual sources;
  • The administration and organisation of an academic conference (together with the PI and PR);
  • Assisting in the organisation and facilitation of a public-facing output in the form of an experimental musical concert;
  • Other tasks related to the above that may occur.

  Through working in a small and close-knit team of professional researchers, this position will allow you to develop skills and knowledge in areas such as project administration, research support, events administration and research communication, providing a stepping stone towards a career in academia, for example through developing a research proposal for a PhD project in a similar field.

Selection criteria

· Interest in and knowledge of speculative fiction, music, posthuman theory, and/or music technologies at graduate level, as indicated through e.g. courses followed;

· Experience doing guided research as part of a team or the ability to become a capable research team member within a limited time period;

· The ability to read, summarize, and evaluate a high volume of textual material, including theoretical and (popular) fictional texts;

· An affinity for and/or experience in (research) project planning and administration, including time management and working towards fixed deadlines. Experience working in events or events planning is highly desirable;

· Good administrative skills, such as detailed record-keeping, working to deadlines and experience with Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook;

· Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to communicate in a professional academic context;

· Excellent command of English (preferably also Dutch, but this is not a requirement). In addition, good interpersonal skills and a supportive and problem-solving attitude.

If you do not believe you meet all selection criteria, you are still encouraged to apply.

Description of organisation and terms of employment

The employment contract is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities. We offer a position from 1 March to 31 December 2026. The salary range is from € 3.004 - € 3.465  gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (UFO profile Research assistant 1, pay scale 5 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

In addition, Leiden University has good employment conditions. For example, there is an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), holiday allowance (8%), excellent training facilities, paid parental leave and the option to choose tailor-made employment conditions via a selection model. You can find all information about this at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. There is a Dual Career Programme for international spouses; for further details, see The Dual Career Programme (DCP) - Universiteit Leiden.

Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University strives to become an inclusive community that enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. We welcome diversity in experiences and perspectives as they enrich and strengthen our teaching and research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

LUCAS Institute

Leiden Center for the Arts in Society is home to a multidisciplinary academic community that facilitates deep analyses of, and appreciation for, the power and dynamics of cultural products (texts, objects, practices) in our past and present. Through high-quality research, education, and valorisation, our Institute contributes to a broader understanding of the cultural, artistic, cognitive, historical, and social aspects of human life.

Faculty

Since its founding in 1575, Leiden University has built an internationally recognized record of excellence in teaching and research. The Faculty of Humanities is an international centre for the study of languages, cultures, arts, and societies worldwide, in their historical contexts from prehistory to the present. We take culture broadly to include religions, philosophies, and worldviews as well as literature art, and technology. In research and teaching, we focus on Dynamics of Diversity, meaning the mobility of people, language, culture, ideas, art, and institutions in a globalizing world, and their interconnectivity through the ages. The Faculty is home to well over 8000 students and 1000 academics. It offers 26 BA programs and 27 MA programs. The Graduate School annually awards about 70 PhD degrees.

University

Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Thanks to its committed and inspired employees, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Leiden also scores very well every year in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential. Will you become our newest colleague?

Information and how to apply

Do you have questions about this position or the recruitment process? Please contact Dr Daný van Dam, university lecturer in English literature and project PI, h.d.j.van.dam@hum.leidenuniv.nl, or Dr Ruth Clemens, postdoctoral researcher on the project, r.a.clemens@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

You can find more information about the faculty of Humanities at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities and about the LUCAS research institute specifically at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities/centre-for-the-arts-in-society. For more information about working at Leiden university please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to getting to know you. You can apply until 15th January 2026 using the application button below.