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PhD Candidate in Anthropology and Environmental Justice: Entangled with Seaweed in South Africa Leiden University in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Anthropology
Funding
This is a salaried PhD employment contract at 38 hours per week, initially for one year with the possibility of a three-year extension after positive evaluation. The gross monthly salary is €3,204–€4,051 based on full-time employment, under the CLA of Dutch Universities. Benefits include an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, ABP pension scheme, reimbursement of public transport commuting costs, leave entitlement, possible hybrid working within the Netherlands, home-working allowances,
Deadline
Nov 7, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Leiden University
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About this position
Leiden University is recruiting a PhD candidate for the NWO-funded project Entangled in Seaweed: The Politics of Economizing Nature in Scotland and South Africa. The PhD research will examine how the economization of seaweed within blue economy strategies affects coastal communities in South Africa, including how colonial and apartheid legacies shape access to coastal areas.
The project draws on cultural anthropology, political ecology, valuation studies, environmental humanities, sustainability, and the multispecies turn in anthropology. The successful candidate will develop a research proposal and conduct twelve months of ethnographic fieldwork in South Africa using document and policy analysis, participant observation, interviews, and participatory visual storytelling. They will analyse findings, write a dissertation, contribute to academic and public dissemination, and collaborate on publications, workshops, seminars, and an exhibition.
The candidate will be based at Leiden University’s Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology and will collaborate with project partners at Stellenbosch University, the University of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Association for Marine Science. Joint supervision and participation in relevant PhD programmes and training are provided.
Applicants need a relevant Master’s degree, excellent qualitative and ethnographic research experience, interest in sustainability and environmental justice, strong English communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team. Knowledge of another official South African language is advantageous.
The position is a 38-hour-per-week salaried PhD contract, initially for one year with possible three-year extension. Salary is €3,204–€4,051 gross per month, with holiday pay, an end-of-year bonus, pension, commuting reimbursement, leave benefits, and other employment conditions. Apply by 7 November 2026 with a motivation letter, CV, degree documents and grade lists, a 500-word South Africa research-design summary, and two referees.
Funding details
This is a salaried PhD employment contract at 38 hours per week, initially for one year with the possibility of a three-year extension after positive evaluation. The gross monthly salary is €3,204–€4,051 based on full-time employment, under the CLA of Dutch Universities. Benefits include an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, ABP pension scheme, reimbursement of public transport commuting costs, leave entitlement, possible hybrid working within the Netherlands, home-working allowances,
What's required
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Environmental Humanities, or another relevant social science or humanities discipline. They must demonstrate excellent qualitative research skills and experience with ethnographic fieldwork, affinity with sustainability and environmental justice, excellent oral and written communication skills, and a strong command of English. Knowledge of one of South Africa’s other official languages is an advantage. Applicants should have excellent social and organisational skills and be able to work independently and collaboratively. The application requires a motivation letter of up to two pages, a CV of up to two pages, copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with course and grade lists, a maximum 500-word summary of the proposed ethnographic research design in South Africa, and contact details for two referees.
How to apply
Apply through the vacancy page by clicking “Apply now.” Submit a motivation letter, CV, degree certificates and grade lists, a 500-word research-design summary, and contact details for two referees. Applications are processed immediately; interviews are scheduled for the last week of November and first week of December 2026.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.