Leiden PhD in Seaweed, Blue Economy and South African Coastal Communities
Leiden University
Leiden University seeks a salaried PhD researcher to study seaweed economies and coastal communities in South Africa through ethnographic fieldwork. The Dutch employment position pays €3,204–€4,051 gross per month, with a one-year contract extendable to four years. Apply by 7 November 2026.
Leiden University’s Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology is hiring a PhD candidate for its NWO-funded “Entangled with Seaweed” project. The researcher will investigate how seaweed production and blue-economy policies affect South African coastal communities, including legacies of unequal coastal access. The role includes about twelve months of ethnographic fieldwork in South Africa, participant observation, interviews, policy analysis and participatory visual storytelling. The candidate is based at Leiden in the Netherlands and collaborates with Stellenbosch University researchers. This is a 38-hour-per-week paid doctoral employment position, initially for one year with possible extension for three more years after a positive review. Gross salary is €3,204–€4,051 per month plus Dutch university employment benefits. Professor Marja Spierenburg leads the project.
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Recorded source check: October 22, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
Gross monthly salary €3,204–€4,051, 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension, commuting reimbursement and other Leiden employment benefits. Initial one-year doctoral contract may extend for three years after positive review.
Eligibility summary
Applicants of any nationality may apply, subject to Dutch work and visa requirements. The PhD is employed by Leiden University in the Netherlands and involves approximately twelve months of fieldwork in South Africa.
Requirements
Master’s degree in anthropology, sociology, environmental humanities or a relevant social science/humanities discipline; excellent qualitative and ethnographic research skills; strong English; interest in sustainability and environmental justice. A South African language beyond English is an advantage, not a stated requirement.
Documents required
Motivation letter (maximum two pages); CV (maximum two pages); bachelor’s and master’s degree and grade lists; up to 500 words outlining an ethnographic research design for South Africa; names and contact details of two referees.
Language/test requirements
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