About the Program
Leiden University invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position within the ERC-funded project “What’s wrong? Ancient corrections in Greek papyri from Egypt” (AnCor), led by Dr Joanne Stolk. Hosted by the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS), the project investigates linguistic corrections in papyrus documents to explore how ancient writers shaped the Greek language. The selected candidate will focus on administrative and juridical papyri from Roman and Byzantine Egypt, analysing scribal habits and language practices. This role offers the chance to contribute to a major open-access database, collaborate with an international research team, and engage deeply with material philology, palaeography, and historical linguistics. Candidates with a background in Greek papyrology, Greek linguistics, and an interest in databases and digital methods are highly encouraged to apply.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position
- Institution: Leiden University
- Department/Faculty: Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS)
- Supervisor: Dr Joanne Stolk
- Location: Leiden, Netherlands
- Start Date (Anticipated): 1 January 2026 (or shortly after)
- Duration: 4 years (1.0 FTE) or 5 years (0.8 FTE)
- Funding: Full-time contract with gross monthly salary €2,901 – €3,707; includes 8% holiday pay + 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- Working Hours: 38 hrs/week (1.0 FTE)
- Required Degree/Diploma:
- MA or ResMA in Greek Papyrology, Greek Linguistics, or related discipline
Research Focus/Area
- Greek Papyrology
- Ancient Corrections
- Historical Linguistics
- Administrative and Juridical Texts from Roman & Byzantine Egypt
- Palaeography and Manuscript Studies
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (ResMA or MA) in Greek papyrology or Greek linguistics
- MA thesis completed (or near completion) with distinction (grade 8.0/10 or higher)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Interest in non-literary texts, palaeography, or the materiality of writing
- Experience or willingness to work with relational databases and digital humanities methods
- Strong writing and analytical skills
- Ability to relocate to the Netherlands for the duration of the PhD
- English proficiency (spoken and written)
Key Features of the Program
- Embedded in the ERC Starting Grant project AnCor
- Contribution to an open-access annotated database
- Participation in OIKOS and LUCAS training programmes
- Involvement in the Leiden Papyrological Institute
- Opportunities for teaching in later years of the PhD
- Supportive and inclusive academic community
- Relocation and tax benefits for international candidates
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application through Leiden University’s online recruitment system (see application link below).
Required Documents:
- Cover letter stating your motivation and suitability
- Research proposal (max. 500 words excl. bibliography)
- Curriculum Vitae
- MA thesis or writing sample
- Contact details of two referees (no letters required at this stage)
- MA degree certificate or contact details of thesis supervisor
- Grade list and proof of language proficiency
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 24 June 2025
- Deadline: 15 August 2025
- Interviews: Second half of September 2025
Where to Apply
- University Website: Home – Universiteit Leiden
- Official Notification: PhD position within the project “What’s wrong? Ancient corrections in Greek papyri from Egypt”
- Application Portal: Apply Now – Leiden Online Application System
