Lecturer-PhD candidate - 1.0 FTE - Vacancy number: 16748

Are you passionate about languages and linguistics and interested in conducting your own research project while inspiring University students? LUCL is looking for a lecturer-PhD candidate in the field of French language and culture, with a specific focus on French linguistics, French in the Francophone world and language acquisition.

Pursue your PhD in an inspiring international research environment while also teaching engaging classes. In this role, you will devote 75% of your time to Ph.D. research and 25% to teaching:

• You will conduct linguistic research leading to a Ph.D. You are free to choose the focus of this research as long as it relates to the French language and aligns with one (or more) of LUCL’s six research programs

• You will teach courses in French on topics related to French language and culture and the francophone world, with a specific focus on French linguistics and language proficiency. Depending on your expertise, you may also contribute to courses on French culture and history.

We are looking for

A curious and driven scholar who enjoys sharing knowledge. In addition, you should have:

• Successfully completed a (Research) Master’s degree in linguistics.

• Demonstrable teaching experience, preferably in the field of French linguistics and/or language proficiency.

• Excellent command of French (minimally CEFR C1).

• Preferably sufficient command of Dutch (CEFR B1 of higher).

• Interest in one or more of the following areas of linguistics: computational, descriptive, theoretical, sociolinguistic, experimental, historical, or comparative Indo-European linguistics (see also LUCL’s six research programs).
• Excellent communication skills that you can use to both inspire students and recruit new students to study French.

LUCL PhD community

LUCL has an active and international PhD community of over 40 PhD candidates. You’ll meet each other in joint courses, reading groups, peer feedback sessions, and social activities. There’s a strong culture of collaboration and mutual support here: PhD candidates exchange expertise, organize their own workshops, and build lasting networks both within and outside the field of linguistics. So you’re never on your own.

We offer

• A 1.0 FTE position on a fixed-term contract for a period of five years (in accordance with Article 2.2a of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities).
  The standard probation period is two months.

• Supervision by our highly qualified faculty with in-depth subject expertise.

• A salary in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities of € 3,546 gross per month in the first year, rising to € 4,241 gross per month in the final year.

• Excellent employment conditions with a flexible benefits package, an 8% vacation allowance, and an 8.3% year-end bonus. See also: working at Leiden University

• An inspiring and collegial work environment in the center of the city of Leiden

The starting date is  between 1 December 2026 and 1 February (or as soon as possible thereafter). You are expected to work in Leiden and the appointment must lead to the completion of a PhD thesis.

What we offer

We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between €3546 - €5538 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Scale 10);
• 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 and a mobile telephone.

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 is inclusive.

Information

For further information on this project you may contact us.

• Content: Jenny Doetjes (j.doetjes@hum.leidenuniv.nl).

• Practical matters: Maarit van Gammeren (m.s.k.van.gammeren@hum.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications

Applications should be submitted no later than September 14th, 2026 via the blue button in our application system.

Applicants should submit online:

• A motivation letter;

• A detailed curriculum vitae;

• Names, positions and contact information of two referees (no reference letters).

• A (link to a) pdf of your MA thesis and a pdf of an article or a term paper that you wrote;

• A list of all Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades;

• A brief description of a possible PhD project (max. 1 A4), including names of potential supervisors within LUCL.

Interviews are planned in October.

Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.