PhD Position on Women in the Early Modern Language Sector
Explore gender dynamics in early modern language professions through archival research and database development.
Best for:Best for historians, early modern scholars, or gender studies researchers with strong archival research skills and proficiency in Dutch, French, or German.
Overview
This PhD position at Leiden University’s Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) focuses on the professional opportunities for women in the early modern language sector (1550–1650). Under the supervision of Dr. Alisa van de Haar and Prof. Nadine Akkerman, the successful candidate will investigate how women accessed and benefited from language-based careers—such as translation or teaching—despite limited academic pathways. The project combines archival research across the UK, Belgium, France, and Germany with collaborative database construction to map the sector’s gendered structures. The candidate will publish findings, present at conferences, and engage with LUCAS’s interdisciplinary training programme, with potential teaching duties in later years.
What you'll do
- Conduct archival research in UK, Belgian, French, and German libraries to analyze biographical data, writings, and correspondence of early modern female language professionals.
- Develop a prosopographical database mapping language professionals’ skills, employment patterns, and socio-economic benefits.
- Complete a PhD thesis in English within four years, focusing on women’s access to language-based careers.
- Publish at least two co-authored articles in peer-reviewed journals or edited volumes.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences.
- Collaborate with the LangPro project team on database development and monthly research meetings.
- Participate in LUCAS’s training programme, including masterclasses, seminars, and workshops.
- Engage with the PhD community and LUCAS’s intellectual life, with potential teaching responsibilities in years 2–3.
- Travel up to 4 months total across Europe for archival work (2 months per year in years 1–2).
Requirements
Degree required: Master of Arts (MA/ResMA) in history, early modern studies, literature, or a related field, with a thesis grade equivalent to 8.0/10 or higher.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English: professional working proficiency (speaking, writing, reading). Dutch, German, or French: professional proficiency in reading (or willingness to learn).
Instruction: English
Publications: At least two co-authored articles in peer-reviewed journals or edited volumes.
- Proven research skills, including formulating research questions and analytical writing.
- Fluency in reading early modern handwritten texts in Dutch, English, German, or French.
- Professional proficiency in English (speaking, writing, reading).
- Ability to manage time effectively and work independently.
- Willingness to travel for archival research (up to 4 months total across Europe).
- Experience with or willingness to learn Latin (a bonus).
- Applicants must be willing to relocate to the Netherlands for the duration of the project.
- No nationality restrictions, but international candidates are encouraged to apply.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Submit your application via Leiden University’s online recruitment system. Include a 1,000-word motivation statement, CV, names of two referees, a copy of your MA thesis or writing sample, relevant course assessments, and proof of language proficiency. If your MA thesis is incomplete, provide your supervisor’s contact details for evaluation.
- Letter of application (1,000 words max) with motivation and research approach
- CV with education, employment history, and academic achievements
- Names and contact details of two referees (no reference letters)
- Copy of MA thesis or writing sample (or supervisor contact details if thesis is incomplete)
- Relevant course assessments or language proficiency certificates
- Copy of MA degree certificate (or supervisor contact details if thesis is pending)
Contact
Alisa van de Haar· Principal Investigator (PI)
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