16 April 2020

Vacancy: two PhDs related to urbanisation, urbanity, and urban diversity in relation to African Studies

The African Studies Centre Leiden is looking for two PhDs related to urbanisation, urbanity, and urban diversity in relation to African Studies. 

Project descriptionIn the framework of  the programme University of Edinburgh-University of Leiden Joint Funded PhD Studentships, the African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL) will recruit two PhD candidates. Candidates will identify and indicate their preferred area of research by taking into account that the proposed research must address topics of urbanisation, urbanity, and urban diversity in relation to African Studies. In addition, the research topic should also relate to one (or more) of ASCL’s priority research themes as identified by its Collaborative Research Groups.

Key responsibilities

  • Carry out an original research project relating to topics of urbanisation, urbanity, and urban diversity in relation to African studies, with an approach from the Social Sciences, Humanities or Law;
  • Gather empirical data in an African, or African diaspora-, field context;
  • Complete the dissertation and defend it within four years;
  • Comply with the regulations and conditions of the Graduate Programme African Studies. 

Selection criteria

  • At least a master’s degree in a relevant discipline in the social sciences, the humanities or law, with an overall mark of 8 (according the Netherlands’ system) or 80%, or its international equivalent. This is a knock–out criterion. Students who do not meet this requirement are requested NOT to submit an application;
  • Willingness to travel, including for fieldwork;
  • Willingness to relocate to the Netherlands for the duration of the position;
  • Candidates whose first language is not English must provide a certificate of proficiency in the English Language (at least IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 100 or Cambridge CPE/CAE 185). This requirement does not apply for students who have completed their education in any one of the following countries: The Netherlands, Canada (except Quebec), USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia;
  • Candidates with fieldwork experience on the African continent will be at an advantage.

Our organisationThe African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL), is the only multidisciplinary academic knowledge institute in the Netherlands devoted entirely to the study of Africa. In addition, collecting and disseminating knowledge and information about Africa is an important task. The ASCL does this, among other things, by publishing books and articles and organizing seminars and conferences. The ASCL was founded in 1947 and has approx. 50 employees. It has an extensive library that is open to the general public.

Terms and conditionsWe offer a fulltime position initially for a year, starting 1 September 2020, with a possibility for a three-year extension conditional upon performance. Salary range from € 2,325.- to € 2,972.- gross per month (PhD scale in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More information.

DiversityLeiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

InformationEnquiries about the content of the position can be directed to Rijk van Dijk, email r.a.van.dijk@asc.leidenuniv.nl. Enquiries about the procedure can be directed to Maaike Westra, email m.a.westra@asc.leidenuniv.nl. The vacancy for two PhD candidates to be placed at the Centre of African Studies of The University of Edinburgh can be found at their website. 

ApplicationsPlease submit your application online no later than 1 May 2020 via the LU online application system. Please ensure that your application includes the following documents (all to be submitted at once):

  • A research proposal of no more than 2,000 words (excluding references). More information on the requirements for the research proposal can be found on the ASCL website;
  • An academic CV;
  • Two signed letters of reference. Candidates are required to submit at least one academic reference. The second reference may be academic or professional;
  • Copy of your MA Diploma and degree transcripts (translations should be provided if the originals are not in English);
  • A copy of your Master Thesis (PDF);
  • A certificate of proficiency in the English Language (at least IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 100 or Cambridge CPE/CAE 185). This requirement does not apply for students who have completed their education in any one of the following countries: The Netherlands, Canada (except Quebec), USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview at the Centre in Leiden, in June 2020. Candidates will be informed of the outcome of the selection process by 1 July 2020.