Leiden University, African Studies Centre, invites applications for a

Postdoctoral researcher in African Studies (0,8-1,0 fte, 30,4-38 uur per week)

The African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL) is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher for a 0,8-1,0 fte temporary position to strengthen the Centre’s research and teaching activities.

What you will do
You will strengthen and co-develop research lines in one of the following thematic fields:

• Infrastructure development and resources (including energy and food)
• Health, technology and justice
• African security studies, conflict and conflict prevention

You will work on academic publications and individual or collaborative grant proposals for future funding. The position also includes teaching duties and educational programme support.

Where you will work:
The ASCL offers a vibrant, interdisciplinary academic environment with colleagues having a background in a.o. anthropology, history, economics, demography, political science, language and literature studies, geography and business. The ASCL research and documentation represents a diversity of topics and geographical areas, and our education programmes include minors, (research) masters and post-graduate courses.

What you bring:
We are looking for someone who can work independently and enjoys multidisciplinary collaboration. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:

• You have a PhD degree in African Studies or any other relevant discipline with solid research experience in Africa
• You have knowledge on current debates in African Studies
• You have expertise in innovative research methodologies
• You have well-developed academic writing skills
• You have demonstrated ability to work in an independent manner.
• You have a ‘can-do’ mentality and a team-player spirit.
• You have excellent command of English.

What we offer
The ASCL aims to be a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is evolving thus your ideas for improvement and innovation are very much valued. We will devote attention to your personal development and provide mentorship. A mentor will be assigned to you depending on your area of specialisation. You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research.

For this position, we specifically offer:

• A temporary employment contract in the position of Postdoctoral Researcher (UFO Researcher 4).
• The employment will be for 12 months, with the prospect of extension for another 12 months in case of good performance. This term (24 months) might be further extended depending on funding.
• This contract falls under the Collective Labor Agreement of Dutch Universities;
• A salary of a minimum of € 3.226,- and a maximum of € 5.090,- gross per month (scale 10), based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week).
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• 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.
• Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions.
• Where essential, 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.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

What we find important
The African Studies Centre and Leiden University aim to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Dr. Akinyinka Akinyoade (a.akinyoade@asc.leidenuniv.nl) or Prof. dr. Marleen Dekker (m.dekker@asc.leidenuniv.nl).

• Applications should be in English
• Please ensure that you include the following documents in one single PDF document named “FAMILY name – Given name – Vacancy number – in this order:
  • A letter of motivation, including a personal vision for the development of the relevant field
  • A CV including education and employment history, publications, language skills, invited talks and presentations and courses taught
  • A two-page concrete and realistic project proposal that fits the broad description of the position for which you apply

Please note: it is only possible to apply via the blue application button.

You can apply until 30 August 2024. Interviews with shortlisted candidates are tentatively scheduled to take place on 10 or 12 September 2024. The position starts in November-December 2024.

A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, 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.