Leiden University invites applications for a University Lecturer in Art and Material Culture of South and Southeast Asia. The successful candidate is expected to begin the position in August 2027. Based in Leiden, Netherlands, the position is part of the Faculty of Humanities and is offered on a full-time basis. The initial contract is for one year, with a view to permanent employment.
The position is part of the Leiden University Institute for Area Studies (LIAS) and focuses on the study of art and material culture across South and Southeast Asia. The research area covers the Himalayan-Tibetan highlands, the South Asian subcontinent and its associated islands, as well as mainland and island Southeast Asia.
The successful candidate will carry out original research and contribute to teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The role also includes curriculum development, BA and MA thesis supervision, PhD supervision and research funding applications. Teaching will contribute to programmes including South and Southeast Asian Studies, International Studies and Asian Studies.
Leiden University is looking for a scholar with a PhD in a relevant field, in situ research experience and knowledge of at least one classical language relevant to the field. Applicants should have a suitable publication record and research agenda, together with an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to Area Studies. Candidates who do not speak Dutch are expected to develop a good command of the language within two years of appointment.
Position Details
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- Position: University Lecturer in Art and Material Culture of South and Southeast Asia
- Official Reference number: 16701
- Institution: Leiden University, Netherlands
- Department: Leiden University Institute for Area Studies (LIAS), Faculty of Humanities
- Research Discipline(s): Art History; Material Culture; South and Southeast Asian Studies; Archaeology; Cultural Heritage
- Location: Leiden, Netherlands
- Job Type: Lecturer / Academic Staff
- Contract Duration: One year, with a view to permanent employment
- Working Hours: 38–40 hours per week
- Salary: €4,728–€6,433 gross per month
- Required Qualification: PhD
Research Areas
The position covers a broad interdisciplinary field connecting the material, visual and cultural traditions of South and Southeast Asia. Relevant research areas include:
- Art and material culture of South and Southeast Asia
- South Asian Studies
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Art History
- Archaeology
- Cultural Heritage
- Iconography
- Architecture
- Buddhist Studies
- Hindu traditions
- Visual and literary cultures
- Pre-modern traditions
- Material Culture Studies
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- A PhD in a field related to the art and material culture of South and Southeast Asia. Candidates nearing completion may also be considered.
- Experience conducting field-based research in South and Southeast Asia, supported by a strong and original research agenda and a publication record appropriate to the candidate’s career stage.
- Research funding experience appropriate to career stage and the ability to develop funding opportunities at national and international level.
- Command of at least one classical language relevant to the field, with an interest in Area Studies and an ability to work through interdisciplinary, transnational and comparative approaches.
- Ability to collaborate across the Humanities and Social Sciences and contribute effectively to an intercultural and multi-ethnic academic environment.
- Commitment to using relevant museum and library collections in and around Leiden for teaching and outreach.
- Strong university teaching skills, with the ability to teach across a broad range of South and Southeast Asian Studies subjects.
- Ability to supervise written work at BA and MA levels and PhD research.
- Administrative skills appropriate to career stage.
- Excellent command of English.
- Applicants who do not speak Dutch are expected to develop a good command of Dutch within two years of appointment.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a gross monthly salary of €4,728–€6,433, based on a full-time 38-hour working week and Scale 11.
Additional employment conditions include:
- 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
- Pension participation through ABP and full reimbursement of public transport costs for home-to-work travel.
- At least 29 days of annual leave based on a 38-hour working week, with flexible working hours.
- Options to exchange leave days or salary for selected benefits.
- Hybrid working where the position allows, together with home-working and internet allowances.
- Support for suitable home-working arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the University Lecturer will include:
- Conducting original research using primary sources and/or fieldwork where appropriate.
- Teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels within relevant Leiden University programmes.
- Developing and contributing to the curriculum in South and Southeast Asian Studies and related programmes.
- Supervising BA, MA and PhD research.
- Developing applications for national and international research funding.
- Representing the field through external engagement and media activities.
Application Process
Candidates must submit their applications in English through the official Leiden University recruitment system. The application should demonstrate the candidate’s research profile, teaching experience and suitability for work in Art and Material Culture of South and Southeast Asia.
Required application documents include:
- A motivation letter outlining the applicant’s personal vision for the study of Art and Material Culture of South and Southeast Asia.
- A CV covering education, employment history, publications, language skills, invited talks, presentations and courses taught.
- A research agenda of up to two pages, including potential for research funding from bodies such as NWO and ERC.
- A teaching philosophy statement of up to one page.
- A sample syllabus for an introductory BA-level lecture course on Art and Material Culture of South and Southeast Asia.
- A sample syllabus for an MA-level seminar on a topic selected by the applicant.
- The names, positions and contact details of three referees.
Reference letters are not required at this stage.
Shortlisted candidates are tentatively expected to be interviewed in December 2026.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Vacancy currently open
- Application Deadline: 31 October 2026
- Interview Period: December 2026, tentatively
- Expected Start Date: August 2027
Eligible candidates can submit their application through the official Leiden University recruitment page.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Asian Studies Academic jobs
- Art history research positions
- Cultural heritage academic opportunities
- Netherlands academic jobs
- Humanities research positions
Frequently Asked Questions
What position is available at Leiden University?
The vacancy is for a University Lecturer in Art and Material Culture of South and Southeast Asia within the Faculty of Humanities.
Where is the position based?
The position is based in Leiden, Netherlands, within the Leiden University Institute for Area Studies.
What is the contract duration?
The initial contract is for one year, with a view to permanent employment.
What salary does Leiden University offer?
The salary is €4,728–€6,433 gross per month based on a full-time 38-hour appointment.
What qualification is required?
Applicants should have a PhD in a field related to the art and material culture of South and Southeast Asia. Candidates close to completing their PhD may also be considered.
When is the position expected to begin?
The successful candidate is expected to start in August 2027.
Institutional Overview
Leiden University is a research-intensive university in the Netherlands with a long-standing tradition of teaching and scholarship across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and medicine. Founded in 1575, it is based in Leiden and has an international academic community. The university supports research that brings together different disciplines, regions and approaches, with particular strength in Area Studies and the study of cultures and societies. Its Faculty of Humanities covers fields including history, archaeology, art history, languages and cultural studies. Through the Leiden University Institute for Area Studies (LIAS), scholars work on regions and themes from across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and other parts of the world, supporting comparative and interdisciplinary research.
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