The Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) invites applications for a position as

University Lecturer (UD) in French Literature and Culture (0.65 FTE), starting date 1 August 2026

The Leiden University Center for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) is looking for a University Lecturer (Universitair Docent) in French and Francophone Literature and Culture.

The successful applicant will conduct research and teach courses in various BA and MA programmes in Leiden and The Hague, such as the BA French Language and Culture, the MA Literary Studies and various Minor programmes. They will also contribute to collaborative teaching programmes on a national level, such as Masterlanguage. Their teaching responsibilities will cover French and Francophone literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present. Preference will be given to candidates with a broad teaching profile and with expertise in modern and contemporary Francophone literature, also from outside France. The candidate’s research will contribute to the research profile of the Institute and/or to the themes of the SSH Sector Plan.

Tasks and responsibilities

You will:

• Develop, teach and coordinate courses in French and Francophone Literature and Culture at different levels (e.g., in the BA programme French Language and Culture, the MA Literary Studies, and related programmes). The languages of instruction are French, Dutch and English; 
• Supervise BA and (Res)MA theses, as well as internships in French, Dutch and English;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of teaching innovation, including in the digital humanities, as well as to collaborative national teaching programmes in French Studies;
• Conduct research based on an individual research plan within one of the research programmes of LUCAS and/or the SSH Sector Plan themes, and present the results, in the form of publications, conference presentations and other means, to academic, professional/societal partners and wider audiences;
• Develop grant proposals for research funding at the national and international levels (NWO, ERC, Horizon Europe etc.);
• Co-supervise PhD candidates;
• Help in student recruitment by contributing to open days and orientation and information sessions;
• Fulfil administrative duties within the BA French Language and Culture, the MA Literary Studies, the LUCAS institute and/or the Faculty of Humanities;
• Actively participate in, and contribute to, the academic community of the Institute;
• Develop and maintain an (inter)national network in the academic world and the professional field.

Your profile

• You hold a PhD degree in Literary or Cultural Studies, with a specialisation in modern and contemporary French and Francophone literature and culture;
• You are an innovative and inspiring teacher, with an inclusive approach to education, experience in teaching beyond your own research focus, and a strong commitment to teaching a diverse community of BA and (research) MA students;
• If you do not already possess a Dutch University Teaching Qualification, you are willing and able to meet the requirements for a Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) within two years;

• You have an affinity with the research profile, aims, values, and strategy of LUCAS;
• You have a promising publication record, including international peer-reviewed publications and/or monographs;
• You have experience in developing funding applications for research or education projects;
• You are a clear communicator and team player, enthusiastic about collaborating across disciplinary boundaries, in both teaching and research;
• You possess the following competences: conceptual thinking, presentation skills, result orientation, organisational sensitivity;
• You have (near) native proficiency in French, Dutch and English (or a willingness to master a C1 level of fluency in Dutch within two years, with funding being provided by the LUCAS institute);
• You live and are officially registered as resident in The Netherlands or are willing to relocate upon starting the position.

The organisation

The Faculty of Humanities at Leiden University is a unique international centre for the advanced study of languages, cultures, arts, and societies worldwide, in their historical contexts from prehistory to the present.  Our faculty is home to more than 6,000 students and 800 staff members. For more information see: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities.

The Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) is one of the seven Academic Institutes of the Faculty of Humanities.  LUCAS’ research focus is on cultural objects or artefacts, and on cultural domains and media. Furthermore, LUCAS examines the ‘Arts in Society’: we are interested in the interconnectedness of cultural artefacts and their societal contexts. LUCAS researchers study cultural objects from classical antiquity to the present day, from a wide range of geographical origins and in a wide range of languages, including ancient Greek and Latin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, as well as medieval and modern varieties of Dutch, English,) Dutch, French, German, Italian. At the basis of our research are the three chronological clusters: Classics, Medieval and Early Modern, Modern and Contemporary.

In addition to conducting research, LUCAS members teach in a range of BA, MA and minor programmes, ranging from Classics and Book History to Modern Literature, International Studies and Art History. Through research, teaching and outreach, the Institute aims to deepen our understanding, both inside and outside academia, of the cognitive, historical, cultural, creative, and social aspects of human life.

As an academic community, we strive to create an open and welcoming atmosphere, stimulating everyone to get involved and contribute, and connecting scholars from different fields and backgrounds.

What we offer

BKO/UTQ

Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ / BKO). If the successful applicant does not already possess this qualification or its equivalent, they must be willing to obtain this Qualification within two 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.

Digital Humanities expertise

We are particularly looking for candidates who have the digital knowledge and skills that are relevant for their field of research, and who are able to teach these.

Information

Enquiries can be made to the Programme Chair of the BA French Language and Culture, Prof. Jenny Doetjes (j.doetjes@hum.leidenuniv.nl). Questions about the procedure can be directed to Nina Schat (im-lucas@hum.leidenuniv.nl). Information about LUCAS can be found at http://www.universiteitleiden.nl/geesteswetenschappen/centre-for-the-arts-in-society and about Leiden University at http://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en.

How To Apply

Please submit your application via the online recruitment system, via the blue button at the top of this page, no later than 23:59 on Wednesday 1 April. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Your application should include:

• A letter of motivation including a discussion of the candidate’s current scholarship, teaching experience, and vision on teaching (max. 2 A4);
• A CV including education and employment history, publications, courses taught and language proficiency;
• An outline of your research plans for the coming years, with clear potential for grant applications (max. 2 A4);
• Recent teaching evaluations;
• Names, positions, and email addresses of two referees (no reference letters); please list these on your cv rather than entering them separately into the system.

If you are invited for an interview, you will also be asked to present an interactive guest lecture for a group of students. Both the interviews and guest lectures will take place on Monday 20 April.