PAID x2 PhD Positions in Political Science/Conflict Studies/African Studies (Fully-funded) at Leiden University: Apply Now!!
Vacancy Announcement: PhD Positions in Political Science/Conflict Studies/African Studies (Two Full-time Positions)
Vacancy Number: 15401
Job Type: PhD Positions
Hours (in fte): 1.0
External/Internal: External
Location: Leiden
Closing Date: 15 March 2025
The Institute of Political Science at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences invites applications for two fully-funded, four-year, full-time PhD positions, starting in September 2025. These positions are part of the European Research Council (ERC) funded project “Countering Jihadi Insurgencies in Africa: Repress, Resist & Reorder (COUNTERRR)”, led by Dr. Corinna Jentzsch.
About the Project:
COUNTERRR examines domestic responses to jihadist armed groups in Africa, with a focus on state repression, community resistance, and security evolution in Mali, Nigeria, and Mozambique. The project explores why governments and communities choose specific strategies (repression, resistance, or foreign intervention) and analyzes their effects on conflict dynamics. The research methods will include qualitative comparisons across countries, along with extensive fieldwork in these nations.
PhD Positions:
- PhD Candidate 1: Focus on the Al-Shabaab/Mashababos insurgency in northern Mozambique.
- PhD Candidate 2: Focus on the Boko Haram insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.
The PhD candidates will contribute to the COUNTERRR project by conducting research on government and community responses to jihadist insurgencies in their respective countries. They will also co-author publications, participate in workshops and conferences, and engage in fieldwork.
Requirements:
- A (Research) Master’s degree in Political Science, Conflict Studies, or African Studies.
- Proficiency in qualitative research methods, including fieldwork.
- Strong interest and knowledge of civil wars, African politics, and conflict studies.
- Proficiency in English (for both positions). For Mozambique, proficiency in Portuguese is required.
- Willingness to conduct fieldwork in urban and rural contexts in the selected countries.
- Strong academic record and research skills.
What We Offer:
- Full-time PhD contract (38 hours/week) for 1 year, extendable for 3 years.
- Salary starting at €2,901/month (increasing to €3,707/month in the final year).
- Holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, pension scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Training opportunities in methods and academic skills.
How to Apply:
Submit your application online by 15 March 2025, 23:59 CET, including:
- A 2-page letter of interest.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Copies of academic transcripts.
- A writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis or academic paper).
- Evidence of fieldwork experience in the selected country.
- Names and contact details of two academic referees.
For more information about the application process, visit Leiden University Careers.
Contact: For questions about the positions, contact Dr. Corinna Jentzsch at [email protected].
APPLY NOW
Deadline: 15 March 2025
