Project Overview
About the Position
Leiden University advertises a PhD candidate position in the research project 'Entangled with Seaweed', working on case studies in South Africa. Within the NWO Open Competition-funded programme, this line of the project studies the South African seaweed sector ethnographically: the people whose livelihoods depend on seaweed harvesting and farming, the regulatory landscape governing marine resource access, and the social and ecological entanglements that shape how the seaweed economy develops.
The doctoral candidate carries out extended fieldwork in South African coastal regions, combining interviews, participant observation and policy analysis, and collaborates closely with the Scotland-case researcher and the project's principal investigators to build a comparative account of seaweed governance and livelihoods. The position is a salaried four-year PhD employment under the Dutch CAO-NU collective agreement, starting at EUR 3,204 per month, with fieldwork periods in South Africa supported by project funding.
Candidate Profile and Application
Applicants hold a research master's degree in anthropology, sociology, development studies, geography or a related discipline, with strong qualitative skills and experience or clear affinity with Southern-African or maritime research contexts. Applications are made through the Leiden University careers portal with CV, transcripts, a research statement and references, and the closing date is 7 November 2026.
Highlights
- PhD on seaweed ethnography - South Africa case studies
- NWO Open Competition funded project
- Comparative ethnography across two coastal regions
- Salaried four-year position (EUR 3,204 - 4,051 per month)
- Fieldwork supported by project funding
- Closing date: 7 November 2026
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale) |
| Duration | Four years (PhD employment) |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Research master's in anthropology, sociology, geography or a related field |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 7 November 2026 |
| Location | Leiden, Netherlands |
About Leiden University
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU). Its seven faculties in Leiden and The Hague cover humanities, law, social and behavioural sciences, medicine, science, archaeology and governance. Doctoral candidates at Leiden are salaried employees under the CAO-NU collective agreement rather than fee-paying students, which makes its PhD positions fully funded by design. All academic vacancies, including PhD and postdoctoral roles, are advertised on the university's dedicated careers portal.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 7 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 7 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- University Motivation Letter: Explain Your Preparation and Course Choice
- Academic CV for PhD Applications: Structure and an Example
Official Link
https://careers.universiteitleiden.nl/job/Leiden-PhD-Candidate-in-the-research-project-Entangled-with-Seaweed-case-studies-in-South-Africa/16936-en_US/
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD Candidate 'Entangled with Seaweed' - Case Studies in South Africa (NWO Open Competition) - Leiden University, Netherlands?
The application deadline is 8 November 2026 (7 November 2026). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Amsterdam time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Amsterdam but gives no clock time.
Is PhD Candidate 'Entangled with Seaweed' - Case Studies in South Africa (NWO Open Competition) - Leiden University, Netherlands fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale).
Who is eligible to apply for PhD Candidate 'Entangled with Seaweed' - Case Studies in South Africa (NWO Open Competition) - Leiden University, Netherlands?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by Leiden University.
How do I apply for PhD Candidate 'Entangled with Seaweed' - Case Studies in South Africa (NWO Open Competition) - Leiden University, Netherlands?
Applications for PhD Candidate 'Entangled with Seaweed' - Case Studies in South Africa (NWO Open Competition) - Leiden University, Netherlands are submitted directly to Leiden University through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD Candidate 'Entangled with Seaweed' - Case Studies in South Africa (NWO Open Competition) - Leiden University, Netherlands?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Netherlands are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD Candidate 'Entangled with Seaweed' - Case Studies in South Africa (NWO Open Competition) - Leiden University, Netherlands offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
Leiden University
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU). Its seven faculties in Leiden and The Hague cover humanities, law, social and behavioural sciences, medicine, science, archaeology and governance. Doctoral candidates at Leiden are salaried employees under the CAO-NU collective agreement rather than fee-paying students, which makes its PhD positions fully funded by design. All academic vacancies, including PhD and postdoctoral roles, are advertised on the university's dedicated careers portal.
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