PhD Position on Linguistic Politics in Early Colonial North America (4 years, Leiden University)

Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on the linguistic politics and power dynamics in early colonial North America (1604–1664). This four-year doctoral project is part of the research initiative ‘Leveraging Language, Proclaiming Power’, funded by the Dutch Research Council’s Vidi scheme and led by Dr. Alisa van de Haar, with co-supervision by Professor Michiel van Groesen. The project investigates how language choices and communicative practices among European settlers, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans shaped and reflected power relations in the colonial context, particularly in regions such as New Netherland, New France, Virginia, and New England. The research will analyze five key multilingual interactions: among settlers, between competing colonies, between colonists and Indigenous communities, between colonists and enslaved individuals, and in communication with European leadership. The PhD candidate will conduct comparative historical analysis, focusing on the social implications of language strategies rather than linguistic theory. The project aims to shed new light on the mechanisms of power structures in multilingual societies and contribute to broader understandings of colonial history and sociolinguistics. As part of the research team, the PhD candidate will collaborate with the Principal Investigator and a future postdoctoral researcher, participate in archival research in the US and Canada, and contribute to a collaborative database, teaching package, and museum exhibit. The position also involves publishing peer-reviewed articles, presenting at conferences, and engaging with the intellectual life of LUCAS and the Institute for History at Leiden University. Eligibility: Applicants must hold a ResMA/MRes or MA in early modern or colonial history, or languages, with a thesis grade of 8.0 or above (distinction or equivalent). Full professional proficiency in English and Dutch is required, and proficiency in French is expected (full proficiency is a bonus). Knowledge of Latin is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate strong research and analytical skills, time-management, and the ability to complete the PhD within four years. International applicants are welcome if they meet the language requirements and are willing to relocate to the Netherlands. Funding: The position offers a competitive salary ranging from €3,089 to €3,881 gross per month (full-time), plus 8% holiday and 8.3% end-of-year bonuses, training and career development opportunities, and a substantial tax break for eligible candidates from outside the Netherlands. The initial contract is for 14 months, with extension for the remaining period upon positive evaluation. Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the online recruitment system by 15 March 2026. Required documents include a letter of application, CV, contact details for two referees, MA thesis or writing sample, course assessments, and MA degree certificate (or supervisor contact if thesis is pending). Interviews will be held online in April 2026. For project-related enquiries, contact Dr. Alisa van de Haar at [email protected]. For procedural questions, contact Nina Schat at [email protected]. Leiden University is committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering an open and welcoming academic community. The Faculty of Humanities is a leading international center for the study of languages, cultures, arts, and societies, offering a vibrant environment for advanced research and interdisciplinary collaboration.