PhD Candidate in the research project 'Entangled with Seaweed', case studies in South Africa

This PhD position focuses on researching the socio-economic impacts of seaweed economization in South Africa, particularly on coastal communities affected by historical access patterns. The role involves conducting twelve months of ethnographic fieldwork, document analysis, and participatory visual storytelling, culminating in a dissertation and contributions to project publications. Applicants need a Master's degree in a relevant social science or humanities field and strong qualitative research skills.

• You will work in a project team consisting of PhD-candidates and researchers at Leiden University, collaborating with project partners in South Africa. You will:
• Develop a research proposal in the context of the overall project theme, and conduct twelve months of ethnographic research in South Africa.
• An ethics review and contribution to the data management plan are included in the proposal development.
• Research includes document/policy analysis, participant observation, interviews, and the application of participatory visual storytelling methods.
• Analyse research findings and write a dissertation that contributes to the objectives of the ‘Entangled with Seaweed’ project.
• Actively contribute to the output and dissemination of the research project, which includes collaborating with the other team members on academic and non-academic publications, science communication, and the organization of workshops, seminars and an exhibition.
• Participate in relevant PhD-courses and masterclasses, organized in accordance with the guidelines of the Faculty of Social Science and the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology.
• PhD-courses at Stellenbosch University, our partner in the project, can be included in the individual training and supervision plan as well.
• Participate in the PhD programme and other academic activities of the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden University.
• During your stay in South Africa you will also be able to participate in the PhD-programme at the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology at Stellenbosch University.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A Master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Environmental Humanities or another relevant discipline within the social sciences or humanities.
• Demonstrable excellent qualitative research skills and experience with ethnographic fieldwork.
• Affinity with the topics of sustainability and environmental justice.
• Strong command of English
• Knowledge of one of the other official languages of South Africa is a bonus.
• Excellent social and organisational skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team.

• You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research.
• The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague.
• Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.
• We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.