PhD position in Japan Studies (1,0 fte)

Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Applying is possible until: 15 april 2026

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 full‑time years, starting September 2026 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.

• 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.

Since its founding in 1575, Leiden University has built an international reputation for excellence in education and research. With over 800 staff members, the Faculty of Humanities offers 26 bachelor’s and 27 master’s programs to more than 7,200 students at locations in the historic city centre of Leiden and in The Hague.

The Leiden Institute for Area Studies (LIAS) comprises the School of Asian Studies, the School of Middle Eastern Studies, and the School of Religious Studies. The institute is committed to a contemporary approach to Area Studies, integrating disciplinary and regional‑historical perspectives with a strong foundation in advanced language proficiency. LIAS faculty members bring expertise in a wide range of fields, including Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, Buddhist Studies, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Language Pedagogy, Law, Linguistics, Literary Studies, Material Culture Studies, Performing Arts, Philology, Philosophy, Political Economy, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Visual Culture Studies.

• Only holders of BA and/or MA degree at Leiden University, with 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.

• A full‑time, for 38 hours per week 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. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities.
• A salary from € 3,059 gross per month in the first year to € 3,881 gross per month in the fourth year, based on a full‑time appointment (38 hours).
• A holiday allowance (8 %), an end‑of‑year bonus (8.3 %), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP.
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home‑to‑work travel.
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full‑time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36‑hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme.
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands.
• A home‑working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.

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 2026 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).