Apply now

Two PhD Positions in Cultural Anthropology in project “Diversity Outdoors”

The Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology invites applications for two fully funded four year full-time PhD Positions, starting in August 2025, to work on the project “Diversity Outdoors: Embodied Ethnoracial Inequalities and Outdoor Recreation in Europe” (DivOut), funded by the European Research Council and led by Dr Jasmijn Rana.

About the project
Through a comparative analysis of participation in outdoor recreation in Europe, DivOut examines how social inequalities are embodied. Outdoor recreation – such as hiking, climbing, swimming, but also birdwatching and camping – is as a pivotal arena where racialized encounters and practices manifest. By exploring the emerging grassroots outdoor movements that challenge these discourses we aim to better understand the embodiment of ethnoracial inequality on a sensorial level. This project undertakes a comparative ethnographic study of ethnoracial embodiment in outdoor recreation in Western-Europe, while asking the questions: What are the effects of ethnoracial embodiment on sociocultural diversity in outdoor recreation? How are bodies constituted as in or out of place in outdoor recreation in Europe? How is diversity in outdoor recreation influenced by local, national and transnational discourses and imaginations? What is the role of ethnoracial affinity and opposition in experiences of participating in, and contesting the status quo of outdoor recreation? Addressing these questions aims to generate critical knowledge of embodiment of ethnoracial inequality.

What you will do
As a PhD-candidate, you will develop a research topic within the frame of the project and will contribute to empirical and theoretical advances regarding ethnoracial inequalities in outdoor recreation.

• Conduct ethnographic research in one West-European country such as Germany, France or the United Kingdom, entailing at least 10 months of fieldwork
• Write a PhD dissertation related to the aims of the DivOut project
• Actively participate in the research, publication, and communication activities of the DivOut project, including collecting and analysing relevant data, co-authoring academic and non-academic publications, and assisting in organizing and presenting at workshops and conferences;
• Take relevant courses and training of transferrable skills training and academic skills, as specified in the Faculty and Institute PhD regulations
• Participate in PhD program activities and the general intellectual life of the Institute

Where you will work
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences consists of five institutes: Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Political Science, and Psychology. The faculty has approximately 7000 students and 1000 staff members. Within the institutes, not only education is provided but also groundbreaking research is conducted that pushes the boundaries of our understanding of human behaviour and societal structures. What makes our faculty unique is the diversity of research topics, the various styles of teaching, and the way professional support is organized; this provides you with the opportunity to explore and develop your interests and expertise. Visit our website for an impression: Welcome to the Leiden Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences - Leiden University.

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 PhD candidates will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, which offers PhD support and training. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/social-behavioural-sciences/graduate-school-of-socialand-behavioural-sciences. They will also be integrated into the PhD community at the Institute of Cultural Anthropology.

What you bring
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.

If you immediately recognise yourself in this profile, or if you do not quite meet all the requirements but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!

What we offer
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can expect an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.

We also offer:

• 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 of a minimum of € 2901 and a maximum of € 3707 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (PhD Scale January 2025).
• 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.
• 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 or bicycle scheme, and we also offer child-care options;
• 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 (if applicable for the position).

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden

What we find important
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims 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. Jasmijn Rana, Assistant Professor, at j.rana@fsw.leidenuniv.nl. You can apply until 23:59 CET on 31 March 2025; applications will be processed immediately.

Applicants should submit online:

• 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).

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden

• 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

Apply now