Project description:

Violent conflict is on the increase in the Sahel since 2012, coinciding with the increased use of Social Media in the region. The organization of networks and their information flows are changing, and this project studies the conflict as a digitally and physically networked one. Cultural violence-the legitimation of violence-spreads through (trans)regional networks, and discursive and 'real' warfare become entangled. This interdisciplinary study focuses on (trans)national Fulani networks, combining historical-ethnographic and computational methods to understand the 'workings' of networked conflict. The project warns of possible increases in ethnic violence, resulting from digital media uses.

The project consists of 2 PhDs, 1 assistant researcher, Expert in Digital Humanities and the PI; further intensive collaboration with Research/Practice institutes in Africa is part of the programme.

The PhD candidate will be the main researcher in the sub project of the programme entitled: 'Cultural violence in Fulani networks in networked wars in the Sahel', Important methodology for this sub project is a combination of (n)ethnography and discourse analysis, both distant and close reading. The project will compile a dataset of content in the digital and non-digital networks, verify these as well on the ground. The candidate should be acquainted with Natural Language Processing techniques, and should be able to speak French, preferably also good knowledge of Fulfulde and some basic knowledge of Arabic.

Key responsibilities:

• The candidate will write a PhD thesis in English or French within four years;
• Write at least two co-authored articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• Will also present research in a more societal oriented way through blogs, photo/visual stories and other possible creative writing projects;
• Co-organizing workshops, conferences and events with societal partners;

Selection criteria:

• MA degree in Anthropology, Media studies, African Studies, or another related social science/humanities discipline with a specialization in Digital Humanities, or the related field Artificial Intelligence;
• Proven skills in fieldwork and in NLP or willingness to learn;
• Fluency in English and French, or willing to improve one of those languages. Mastering Fulfulde and Arabic is of utmost value for the project;
• Knowledge of the Sahelian region, and preferably also having done some fieldwork in the region.
• Excellent writing skills;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an (international) team;
• Ability to work in an international and highly competitive environment.

Terms and conditions:
We offer a full-time 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 years. Salary range from € 2,541. - to € 3,247. - gross per month (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. More at http://www.workingat.leiden.edu/.

Diversityand Inclusion
Leiden University's Institute for History embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized backgrounds to apply.

Leiden University

About our faculty, institute and project
Since its founding in 1575, Leiden University has acquired an international reputation for excellent teaching and research. With its staff of over 800, the Faculty of Humanities provides 26 Bachelors and 27 Masters programmes for over 7200 students based at locations in Leiden's historic city centre and in The Hague.
The Institute for History is the home of a vibrant community of researchers and instructors with outstanding track records and success in attracting national and international research grants. Under the label 'Global Questions, Local Sources' scholars affiliated to the Institute combine a deep knowledge of global interactions and of specific localities, regions and states in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. They use comparative, connective and entangled approaches, and resort to qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
All researchers of the Institute for History are connected to one of the six research specializations: The Unification of the Mediterranean World (400 BC - 400 AD), Collective Identities and Transnational Networks in Medieval and Early Modern Europe, 1000-1800, Political Culture and National Identities, Colonial and Global History, Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence, and History and International Relations. For more information on the Institute for History see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities/institute-for-history.