PhD position in Japan Studies

The Faculty of Humanities at Leiden University invites applications for a PhD fellowship, funded by the Isaac Alfred Ailion Foundation (IAAF) 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 2024 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.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time position for 38 hours per week. 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, depending on education and work experience, from € 2,770.-- to € 3,539.-- (pay scale PhD in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities) gross per month, based on a full-time appointment.

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 at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.

Diversity
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Our Organization
The PhD student will be based in the Leiden University Institute for Area Studies. Leiden Institute for Area Studies (https://www.hum.leiden.edu/lias/) is comprised of a School of Asian, a School of Middle-Eastern Studies and a School of Religious 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.

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. For more information: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities.

Applications
Review of applications will commence by 15 April 2024, 17:00 hrs, and continue until the positions are filled or this call is closed. Queries to the IAAF Secretary (iaaf@hum.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications will be assessed by the advisory committee for research. The board of IAAF will take a decision based on the advice by the committee for research. Applicants will be informed about the results of the procedure by 1 August 2020 at the latest.

Applications should be in English, and be submitted to the IAAF PhD Search Committee with: Secretary IAAF (iaaf@hum.leidenuniv.nl), with the items listed below included in this order in a single PDF document named ‘FAMILY NAME – Given name – IAAF PhD’:

• A letter of motivation outlining the applicant’s potential contributions;
• Description of the proposed PhD project (max. 2500 words excluding references) with a summary (max. 250 words) and 5 keywords;
• A CV and copies of academic transcripts;
• A writing sample of maximally 10,000 words, taken from the Master’s thesis or other substantial academic work, preferably in English;
• Names, positions and email addresses of two referees (no reference letters at this stage).

Acquisition following this advertisement is not appreciated.