PhD position within the project Judicial Guardians: Representing the Legally Incapacitated in Early Modern English Law and Literature Leiden University in Netherlands

Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) is offering a fully funded PhD position within the NWO Vidi research project ‘Judicial Guardians: Representing the Legally Incapacitated in Early Modern English Law and Literature (1542-1646)’. The project, directed by Dr. Lotte Fikkers (Lecturer in English Literature) and co-supervised by Prof. dr. Nadine Akkerman (Professor in Early Modern Literature and Culture), investigates the legal and literary representations of wardship in 16th- and 17th-century England. The Court of Wards and Liveries placed children and intellectually disabled individuals under guardianship, a system often subject to abuse and a frequent trope in early modern English drama. By examining legal records alongside literary depictions, the project aims to recover the voices of vulnerable groups, historicise narratives of legal incapacity, and reinterpret canonical works.

The PhD candidate will compile a comprehensive overview of plays featuring wards and guardians, analyze depictions of wardship in early modern English drama, and explore representations of both underaged wards and those with suspected mental disabilities. Responsibilities include completing a PhD thesis in English within four years, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, contributing to project events, and participating in the LUCAS training programme and PhD community. Some teaching may be required in the second and third years, depending on progress and demand.

Applicants must hold a ResMA or MA in English Literature or Early Modern Studies, with a thesis on a 16th- or 17th-century topic and a grade of 8.0 or above (distinction or equivalent). Excellent close reading, research, and analytical skills are essential, as is proficiency in English. Interest in early modern law and affinity with gender or disability studies are advantageous. International candidates are welcome but must relocate to the Netherlands for the project duration.

The position is based at Leiden University, a leading international centre for the study of languages, cultures, arts, and societies. LUCAS is one of seven academic institutes within the Faculty of Humanities, fostering interdisciplinary research and teaching. The PhD appointment is for four years (1.0 FTE, 38 hours/week), with an initial 14-month contract and extension subject to positive evaluation. Salary ranges from €3,059 gross per month in the first year to €3,881 in the fourth year, with additional holiday and end-of-year bonuses. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. Leiden University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including training and career development opportunities.

Applications must be submitted via the online recruitment system by 31 May 2026. Required documents include a motivation letter (max 1000 words), CV, names and contact information for two referees, MA thesis or writing sample, course assessments, and MA degree certificate or supervisor contact details. Online interviews will be held on 2-3 July 2026. For project enquiries, contact Dr. Lotte Fikkers ([email protected]); for procedural questions, contact Nina Schat ([email protected]). Further information about LUCAS and Leiden University can be found at the provided links.