Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University Centre for Linguistics has a vacancy for a
Ph D candidate in Sign Language and Deaf Studies, starting as soon as possible
Project description/ Key responsibilities
Applications are invited for a Ph D position in sign language studies at the Leiden Center for Linguistics. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Victoria Nyst. The position will involve doing research on the use of sign language in an African country and is part of an NWO-funded project Through the hands of signers: modeling spread and change in historical sign language linguistics. More information can be found here: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/sign-languages/projects/through-the-hands-of-signers
Specialty Areas: Sign languages, Deaf studies, Sociolinguistics
The researcher will join the HANDS!Lab and will be expected to be an active participant in lab activities (conducted in English and International Sign/Dutch Sign Language). This will include collaboration with undergraduate and/or graduate students, deaf and hearing colleagues, as well as members of the broader d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The successful applicant will be encouraged to work on their own research projects and to interact with the wider research community.
Selection criteria
Applicants should have completed their MA at the start of the employment, be fluent in a sign language, and be able to work in both the lab and the field with the sign language(s) used there.
Research at our faculty/ institute
Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) is one of seven Institutes that falls under the Faculty of Humanities. With over 120 linguists working at the Institute, it is a rich research environment that prides itself on fostering scientific excellence. At LUCL we offer extensive research support to our researchers.

LUCL has a longstanding tradition in the study of the world’s languages and features unique linguistic expertise. Current theoretical insights are combined with modern experimental methods in its research profile area ‘Language Diversity in the World’. Researchers from oursix umbrella research groupsare experts in their respective fields but equally find innovative ways of collaborating with other fields and disciplines.
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.
Terms and conditions
Appointment will be according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten). The employment will be for a period of four years (first a contract of 12 months with an extension of 36 months after positive evaluation of capabilities and compatibility), starting as soon as possible. The appointment must lead to the completion of a Ph D thesis.

The salary range for a Ph D candidate is from € 2,872.- to € 3,670.- gross per month (pay-scale Ph D candidates in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities), with substantial additional holiday and end-of-year bonuses. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
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 strives to be inclusive.
Information
For further information on this project please contact Victoria Nyst, email v.a.s.nyst@hum.leidenuniv.nl, or on practical matters Maarit van Gammeren, email m.s.k.van.gammeren@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Applications
Applications should be submitted no later than November 3 via the blue button in our application system.
Applicants should submit online:

• A signed video stating their motivation (max 5 minutes, with transcript or translation in English), please e-mail this video to Victoria Nyst: v.a.s.nyst@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• Names, positions and contact information of two referees (no reference letters).

Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.