The Faculty of Humanities at Leiden University invites applications for a PhD fellowship, funded by the Isaac Alfred Ailion Foundation in the field of Japan Studies. Japan Studies is understood here as a division of area studies involved in social sciences and humanities research on Japan, and includes projects related to the Japanese language, culture, history, literature, art, music, politics, economy and science. The fellowship will be for four fulltime years, starting September 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter. Only holders of BA and/or MA degree from Japan Studies at Leiden University are eligible to apply. Especially candidates with an interest in social sciences are encouraged to apply. 

IAAF was founded in 1983 by Leiden University after a generous bequest by Ms Mabel Ailion, in memory of her father Isaac Alfred Ailion. The Foundation has as one of its aims to further the field of Japan studies at Leiden University.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct original research and disseminate preliminary results through appropriate channels (conferences, journals, project website, etc.);
• Undertake relevant coursework and other training;
• Write a PhD dissertation;
• Contribute to teaching for up to 15% of overall work time, probably concentrated in years 2-3, and including the (supervised) design of minimally one BA course in one’s broader area of specialization;
• Participate in LIAS PhD program activities.

• Only holders of a BA and/or MA degree at Leiden University, with and a proven Japan interest, are eligible to apply;
• A Master’s degree (candidates near completion of the degree will be considered) or equivalent in Japanese Studies or a Master’s degree in other disciplines with a Japan specialization;
• Advanced language skills in Japanese comparable to JLPT level 1-2 (J);
• An excellent command of English;
• Excellent academic skills, visible in the MA thesis or other written work;
• The ability to work independently, and as part of a team.

We offer a fulltime position. The initial appointment will be for one year, with extension for the remaining three years conditional upon good progress. Upon consultation with the board of IAAF it is possible to take up the position as a 0.8 fte position for five years. Salary range from € 2,325.- to € 2,972.- gross per month based on a fulltime appointment (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Dutch Universities for academic personnel).

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. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More information can be found at our website.

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

Leiden University

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 master’s and 25 bachelor’s programmes for over 7,000 students based at locations in Leiden and in The Hague. 

Leiden Institute for Area Studies  is comprised of a School of Asian Studies and a School of Middle-Eastern Studies, with international staff and student populations. The institute is committed to a present-day vision of area studies, integrating disciplinary and regional-historical perspectives on a solid foundation of excellent language skills. Current staff  in LIAS has expertise in the fields of Anthropology, Archaeology, Art Studies, Buddhist Studies, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Language Pedagogy, Law, Linguistics, Literary Studies, Material Culture Studies, Performance Studies, Philology, Philosophy, Political Economy, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Visual Culture Studies.