Leiden University, one of the leading research and education institutions in the Netherlands, is offering exciting PhD opportunities for aspiring researchers. These full-time positions (1 FTE) come with a living allowance, providing a supportive and dynamic research environment across multiple disciplines.
Explore innovative research opportunities in Computer Science, Chemistry & Physics, Cultural Anthropology & Developmental Sociology, and Socio-Humanities. Check the individual links for specific terms and conditions, and take this chance to contribute to world-class research at Leiden University!
Computer Science
1. Dual-Appointment PhD Candidate and Junior System Administrator, Software Optimization and Compiler
Requirements
- Recently completed (or soon to be completed) MSc degree in Computer Science with specialization in, for example, Parallel and Distributed Computing, High Performance Computing or Computer Systems, with strong performance in computer systems courses;
- You have an inherent interest in solving complex scientific problems and you can translate abstract thoughts and ideas into concrete implementations;
- You are passionate about working with other researchers, system administrators and students;
- You can communicate fluently in written and spoken English;
- Excellent programming and debugging skills in C++ and Python; other programming languages are a plus;
- At least three years of experience in Linux and basic Linux system administration, preferably with RHEL or Ubuntu;
- Good understanding of computer networking: TCP/IP, VLANs and routing;
- Affinity with Ansible is a plus;
- Affinity configuring OSI layer 1-3 network equipment through command line interfaces is a plus.
Application Documents
- A cover letter including motivation to apply for and your applicability for your position;
- A curriculum vitae, including your publications (if any);
- Grade list / transcripts (both bachelor’s and master’s degree);
- A short research proposal in the area of software optimization and compiler techniques (max. 1 page A4);
- A short description of a system that you have installed, designed or administered, that you are most proud of and shows your prior experience in system administration (max. 1 page A4);
- Link to public code repository accounts and / or list of open-source projects that you have contributed code to;
- Names and contact details of at least two references (who have agreed to be contacted), at least one of which in academia.
- A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is required to fulfill the position.
Deadline: 24 April 2025
More information: webpage
Chemistry and Physics
1. PhD Position II Noise and correlations in electrochemistry
Requirements
- Prior experience in experimental work, and preferably have co-authored one or more publications.
- High motivation for research, and have an interest in theory.
- Talent to manage their time and progress as the work requires a high level of independence.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- A strong teamwork mentality.
Deadline: 24 March 2025
More information: webpage
Cultural Anthropology & Developmental Sociology
1. Two PhD Candidates for the project “Climate Citizenship”
Application Documents
- A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages), explaining your motivation for pursuing a PhD and for working in the climate citizenship project, indicating where you would like to do research (U.S. or Japan) and how your experience and skills make you suitable;
- A curriculum vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages);
- Copies of academic transcripts from prior study at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels;
- A short research statement, explaining how you imagine addressing the subproject’s questions (maximum 500 words);
- Names and contact details of two referees.
Deadline: 31 March 2025
More information: webpage
2. Two PhD Positions in Cultural Anthropology in project “Diversity Outdoors”
Requirements
Candidates are expected to have:
- A Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology, Sociology, Geography or another relevant discipline
- Excellent command of and experience with qualitative research skills and experience (fieldwork including interviewing and participant observation)
- Enthusiasm, passion, and commitment for, and preferably background knowledge of, outdoor recreation and social justice
- Excellent command of English (speaking, reading and writing)
- Speaking and reading skills in another site-specific European language (if not UK)
- Strong critical thinking and writing skills, demonstrated in the writing sample
- The ability to work independently, and as part of a team, demonstrated in prior research, work or internship experience.
Application Documents
- A letter of interest expressing the motivation for pursuing a PhD and for working in the Diversity Outdoors project, indicating a preference for working in a specific Western-European country and specified research sub-topic (2 pages maximum);
- A Curriculum Vitae;
- Copies of academic transcripts from prior study at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels;
- A writing sample such as the applicant’s Master’s thesis or another academic paper;
- Evidence of the ability to conduct fieldwork in the selected country (such as prior experience, relevant networks etc.) is not required but will be considered an advantage
- The names and contact details of two referees who can contacted and asked to comment on the candidate’s professional qualifications and suitability for the position (no recommendation letters required at this stage).
Deadline: 31 March 2025
More information: webpage
Socio-Humanities
1.PhD Positions in Political Science/Conflict Studies/African Studies (two full-time positions)
Requirements
- (Research) Master’s degree in Political Science (or Conflict Studies or African Studies with an evident interest in political science); they need to have written a Master’s thesis.
- An excellent command of and experience with qualitative methods (fieldwork including interviewing and participant observation, and the systematic analysis of qualitative data).
- A substantive interest in and extensive background knowledge of civil wars, conflict studies and African politics.
- An excellent command of English (need to meet the English language requirements of the Graduate School of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences). For the position on Mozambique, an excellent command of Portuguese. French language proficiency is a plus for both positions, as is knowledge of relevant local languages.
- Willingness and ability to travel to and conduct fieldwork in the project countries (both urban and rural contexts) for several months at a time; experience with fieldwork in African countries is a plus.
- Excellent study results and academic skills, demonstrated in the Bachelor’s and Master’s course transcripts.
- Strong critical thinking and writing skills, demonstrated in the writing sample.
- The ability to work independently, and as part of a team, demonstrated in prior research, work or internship experience.
Application Documents
- A letter of interest expressing the motivation for pursuing a PhD and for working in the COUNTERRR project, indicating a preference for working on Nigeria or Mozambique (2 pages maximum);
- A Curriculum Vitae;
- Copies of academic transcripts from prior study at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels;
- A writing sample such as the applicant’s Master’s thesis or another academic paper;
- Evidence of the ability to conduct fieldwork in the selected country (such as prior experience, relevant networks etc.);
- The names and contact details of two academic referees who can contacted and asked to comment on the candidate’s professional qualifications and suitability for the position (no recommendation letters required at this stage).
Deadline: 15 March 2025
More information: webpage
2. PhD candidates exploring the history of early childcare in Central and Eastern Europe
Selection Criteria
- An RMA or MA in History, Area Studies or Religious Studies, held by time of appointment, with an MA thesis of high quality. If the degree is not yet obtained at the time of application, please include a statement by the applicant’s thesis advisor which confirms that it will be obtained by time of appointment;
- A demonstrable affinity with the history of central and eastern Europe along with a documented interest in any of the following histories: childhood, children, materiality, space, gender, labor and/or medicine;
- Well-developed archival and research skills;
- Ability to work both independently and as part of an (international) team;
- Excellent command of English and at least one additional language. Ability to speak or willingness to learn Dutch;
- Strong writing skills.
Application Documents
- Cover letter;
- Research proposal (maximum 500 words) which states how you would approach the themes of the project and how your experience will help you to do research in this direction.
- Curriculum vitae, including publications (if applicable);
- Copy of MA thesis.
Deadline: 11 April 2025
More information: webpage
IMPORTANT NOTES
Apply directly to Leiden University. The FINAL decision is from Leiden University
Recent Comments