Teaser Text
The The Leiden University's Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden University is looking for an ambitious PhD-candidate to study the impacts of economization of seaweed as part of ‘blue economy’ strategies in South Africa. Research focuses on the impacts on coastal communities, considering that in South Africa colonial and apartheid legacies still influence patterns of access to coastal areas. You will work within the project ‘Entangled in seaweed: The politics of economizing nature in Scotland and South Africa’ funded by an NWO Open Competition grant.
What you will do
You will work in a project team consisting of PhD-candidates and researchers at Leiden University, collaborating with project partners in South Africa. You will:
- Develop a research proposal in the context of the overall project theme, and conduct twelve months of ethnographic research in South Africa. An ethics review and contribution to the data management plan are included in the proposal development. Research includes document/policy analysis, participant observation, interviews, and the application of participatory visual storytelling methods.
- Analyse research findings and write a dissertation that contributes to the objectives of the ‘Entangled with Seaweed’ project.
- Actively contribute to the output and dissemination of the research project, which includes collaborating with the other team members on academic and non-academic publications, science communication, and the organization of workshops, seminars and an exhibition.
- Participate in relevant PhD-courses and masterclasses, organized in accordance with the guidelines of the Faculty of Social Science and the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology. PhD-courses at Stellenbosch University, our partner in the project, can be included in the individual training and supervision plan as well.
- Participate in the PhD programme and other academic activities of the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden University. During your stay in South Africa you will also be able to participate in the PhD-programme at the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology at Stellenbosch University.
Where you will work
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.
The project team
The project team at Leiden University works closely together with colleagues at the University of Edinburgh, the Scottish Association for Marine Science, and Stellenbosch University. The PhD-students will be jointly supervised by Leiden University and Stellenbosch University, and Leiden University and the University of Edinburgh respectively. A project assistant will assist with training and dissemination activities.
What you bring
- A Master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Environmental Humanities or another relevant discipline within the social sciences or humanities.
- Demonstrable excellent qualitative research skills and experience with ethnographic fieldwork.
- Affinity with the topics of sustainability and environmental justice.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong command of English;
- Knowledge of one of the other official languages of South Africa is a bonus.
- Excellent social and organisational skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team.
What we offer
We also offer:
- PHD: An employment contract for 38 hours per week as a PhD candidate, initially for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension for 3 years after a positive evaluation. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
- A salary between €3204 - €4051 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (PhD student);
- 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 and bicycle scheme;
- 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.
What we value
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.
Want to apply or find out more?
As part of your application we ask you to submit:
- A letter explaining your motivation to apply for a PhD-position, and more specifically for such a position within the project (maximum of 2 pages);
- A curriculum vitae (CV) (maximum of 2 pages);
- A copy of your Bachelor and Master degree with a course and grade list;
- A summary of how you would design the ethnographic research in South Africa (maximum of 500 words);
- The names and contact details of two referees who can be contacted to provide information on your qualifications and strengths (we are not asking for a referee report at this stage of the application procedure).
- We believe mobility is very important. That is why we are also publishing this vacancy internally. In case of equal suitability, we will give priority to the internal candidate.
- 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