This fully funded PhD position is part of the ERC Starting Grant project LangPro: Professional Opportunities in the Early Modern Language Sector (1550-1650), hosted at Leiden University and directed by Dr. Alisa van de Haar, with co-supervision by Professor Nadine Akkerman. The project investigates the language sector in early modern North-West Europe, focusing on the professional, financial, and social opportunities available to men and women with language skills in the Low Countries, France, the German lands, and England. The PhD candidate will specifically research women in the early modern language sector, analyzing biographical data, personal writings, and correspondence to uncover patterns in language skills, employment strategies, and the benefits gained through language work. The research will involve archival work in the UK, Belgium, Germany, and France, and collaboration with the LangPro team to build a prosopographical database of early modern language professionals. The candidate will be expected to complete a PhD thesis in English within four years, contribute to the collaborative database, publish at least two co-authored articles, present at conferences, and participate in training and academic events at the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) and other institutes. Applicants should hold a ResMA/MRes or MA in history, early modern studies, literature, or languages, with a thesis grade of 8.0 or above, and have strong research and analytical skills. Proficiency in English is required, along with proficiency or willingness to learn German, French, and/or Dutch; knowledge of Latin is a plus. International candidates are welcome but must relocate to the Netherlands. The position offers a competitive salary (€3,059–€3,881 gross per month), benefits, and possible tax breaks for non-Dutch candidates. The application deadline is 15 February 2026, with interviews in March 2026. For more information, contact Dr. Alisa van de Haar (a.d.m.van.de.haar@hum.leidenuniv.nl).