PhD Position: Women in the Early Modern Language Sector (LangPro Project) Leiden University in Netherlands

This fully funded PhD position is part of the ERC Starting Grant project LangPro, hosted at Leiden University and directed by Dr. Alisa van de Haar, with co-supervision by Professor Nadine Akkerman. The LangPro project investigates the language sector in early modern North-West Europe, focusing on professional, financial, and social opportunities for men and women with language skills between 1550 and 1650. The PhD project specifically examines the role of women in the early modern language sector, analyzing biographical data, personal writings, and correspondence of female language professionals from England, the Low Countries, France, and the German lands.

The research aims to uncover patterns in language skills, employment strategies, and the benefits gained through language work, contributing to a new research domain on the history of the language sector. The candidate will also collaborate with the LangPro team to build a prosopographical database of early modern language professionals.

Responsibilities include conducting archival research in several European countries, completing a PhD thesis in English within four years, contributing to the collaborative database, publishing peer-reviewed articles, presenting at conferences, and participating in training and academic community activities at the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS). Applicants must hold a relevant MA or ResMA/MRes with distinction, possess strong research and analytical skills, have proficiency in English and at least one of German, French, or Dutch (or willingness to learn), and be willing to relocate to the Netherlands. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and career development opportunities, with a possible tax break for international candidates.

Applications must be submitted online by 15 February 2026, including a motivation letter, CV, referee contacts, thesis or writing sample, course assessments, and degree certificate. Interviews will be held online in March 2026.