Leiden University currently has 2 vacancies for PhD positions within the ERC project LangPro (Professional Opportunities in the Early Modern Language Sector). LangPro is funded for 2026-2031 by the European Research Council and directed by dr. Alisa van de Haar (university lecturer in historical French literature at Leiden University). Prof. Nadine Akkerman (professor in early modern literature and culture at Leiden University) will be the co-supervisor of the PhD candidate.
PhD 1: Women in the Early Modern Language Sector, focusing on women in the early modern Low Countries, Germany, France, and England who earned an income as writers, language teachers, translators, secretaries, or in other language-related professions.
PhD 2: Societies and Guilds in the Language Industry, examining how guilds and other organizations supported language professionals in early modern Northwestern Europe.
Application deadline: 15 February 2026
Starting date: 1 August 2026