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The Institute for History of Leiden University will appoint a

PhD Position in LGBT+ Migration: Narratives and Policy  

Project description
The PhD candidate will conduct research centering on oral histories of LGBT+ immigrants in Europe, including refugees and asylum seekers, with a focus on individuals and groups migrating from or through the Middle East and North Africa. The research is situated within the multi-national Horizon 2020 research project, ‘Interconnecting Histories and Archives for Migrant Agency: Entangled Narratives Across Europe and the Mediterranean Region.

Key responsibilities

• Conducting interviews (oral histories) with LGBT+ migrants in the Netherlands, and research on LGBT+ policies and organizations;
• Writing an English-language PhD thesis within four years;
• Participating actively within the larger Horizon 2020 research project, such as by attending annual project meetings and conferences, contributing to policy papers, developing online content, and building networks with local organizations;
• Contributing to undergraduate teaching (in Dutch).

Selection criteria

• Completed MA degree and thesis in a field related to migration studies (history, anthropology, sociology, political science, media, area studies);
• Ability to conduct interviews in Dutch, English, and one of the following: Arabic, Turkish, Persian (Farsi), Kurdish, Amharic, Berber, Pashto, Dari, Oromo, or Swahil;
• Excellent writing skills in English;
• Ability to work in an international and highly competitive environment;
• Familiarity with and interest in LGBT+ studies is an advantage;
• Evidence of excellent academic potential is an advantage.

Our organisation
The Faculty of Humanities is rich in expertise in fields such as philosophy, religious studies, history, art history, literature, linguistics and area studies covering nearly every region of the world. With its staff of 995, the faculty provides 27 masters and 25 bachelors programmes for over 7,000 students based at locations in Leiden’s historic city centre and in modern buildings in The Hague. For more information, see the website of Humanities.

Terms and conditions
We offer a 0.9 FTE position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three year. Salary range from € 2,395.- to € 3.061.- gross per month for a full working week (pay scale P, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.  Additional budget allows for research visits abroad and attendance of international conferences.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to equity, inclusion and diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information
Direct questions or clarifications to Andrew Shield, email a.d.j.shield@hum.leidenuniv.nl. Do not send application to this address.

Applications
Applications should be submitted no later than Tuesday, 12 January 2021 via the blue button in our application system. Applications should be submitted in English. Combine the following three items into one PDF of maximum 5 MB:

• Cover letter (500-1300 words) including the following:
  • Summary of past research and how it relates to this project, including experience with interviews;
  • Clarification of language skills;
  • Research plans for conducting oral histories of LGBT+ migration in the Netherlands;
  • Relevant volunteer/work experience (if applicable);
  • Two references (with name, affiliation, email).
• CV (maximum 600 words), including education degrees, and (if applicable) awards, fellowships, publications, conference presentations, relevant work experience, and/or technical skills;
• Copy of MA thesis (use ‘compress PDF’ tool to decrease file size).

Interviews be in February via Skype. The successful applicant will begin 1 April.