Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) is seeking candidates for a PhD position in the project 'Leveraging Language, Proclaiming Power: Linguistic Politics in Early Colonial North America' (1.0 FTE, 4 years). This research investigates the relationship between communication choices and power dynamics in early colonial North America, a period characterized by intercultural contact among European colonizers, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans.

The Role

As a PhD candidate, you will analyze how communication practices in 17th-century New Netherland, New France, New England, and Virginia influenced power dynamics. Your research will assess communication choices in various contexts, including interactions with Indigenous populations and enslaved individuals, using a multilingual corpus of handwritten and printed materials from 1604 to 1664.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on communication and power in a multilingual context related to 17th-century North America.
• Engage in archival research in the US and Canada for up to 4 months over the project duration.
• Complete a PhD thesis in English within four years.
• Contribute to the project’s collaborative database and develop teaching materials and museum exhibits.
• Publish at least two articles in peer-reviewed journals and create content for the project website.
• Present research findings at conferences both domestically and internationally.
• Participate in project research group meetings and training programs.
• Engage in the PhD community and contribute to the intellectual life of LUCAS and the Institute for History.
• Potentially teach in the second and third years of the PhD project, depending on progress and demand.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (ResMA/MRes or MA) in early modern or colonial history, or languages, with a distinction (grade of 8.0 or above).
• Willingness to conduct archival research in the US and Canada.
• Strong research skills and a clear writing style.
• Interest in colonial history and languages.
• Proficiency in English and Dutch, with French proficiency as a bonus; knowledge of Latin is also a plus.
• Proven time-management skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to completing the PhD research within four years.

International candidates are welcome to apply if they have full proficiency in Dutch and are willing to relocate to the Netherlands.

About the Company

The Faculty of Humanities at Leiden University is a prominent international center for the study of languages, cultures, arts, and societies in historical contexts. With over 6,000 students and 800 staff members, the faculty fosters a diverse academic community.

LUCAS, one of the seven Academic Institutes of the Faculty, focuses on the relationships between the arts and society, studying cultural production across two millennia. The institute promotes an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and engagement among scholars from various fields.

Terms and Conditions

The PhD position is for 4 years (1.0 FTE, 38 hours per week; alternatively, 0.8 FTE for 5 years), starting on January 1, 2027. The initial contract is for 14 months, extendable for an additional 34 months upon positive evaluation. Salary ranges from €3,089 gross per month in the first year to €3,881 in the fourth year, according to the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Additional benefits include holiday bonuses and opportunities for professional development.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application via the online recruitment system by September 1, 2026. Applications must include a letter of interest, CV, contact information for two referees, a writing sample, and relevant academic documentation. Online interviews will be conducted in the second half of September.