PhD in Gender-related Violence

PhD in Gender-related Violence (1 fte 100%)

Recent years have witnessed an increase in attention to gender-related violence, the most extreme type of which constitutes femicide, or the killing of women because of their gender. Despite its importance, systematic research on its scope, patterns, causes and consequences remains fragmented. This PhD position seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by consolidating state-of-the-art empirical work, establishing a comprehensive dataset, and developing theoretical frameworks to better understand and respond to gender-related violence.

What you will do
The primary objective of this PhD project is to provide an in-depth understanding of (lethal) violence against women in the Netherlands through a comprehensive analysis of existing and newly collected data. Key questions include: What is the nature and scope of femicide in the Netherlands? What are the most common patterns across different contexts? How can these patterns be theoretically and empirically explained, and how to best respond to such violence? Are there distinctive characteristics in the Dutch context when compared to other national or regional trends?

The project will utilize a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research techniques. It will draw upon the Dutch Femicide Monitor, including data from law enforcement, public prosecutor, courts and the media. Additionally, the project seeks to incorporate newly collected data, including interviews, judicial proceedings and case studies of non-fatal violence. The integration of these diverse data sources will allow for a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the patterns and underlying drivers of gender-related violence.
The PhD candidate will:

• Conduct high-quality research and write a PhD dissertation on gender-related violence;
• Actively participate in the research, publication, and communication activities of the project, including collecting and analysing relevant data, co-authoring academic and non-academic publications, and assisting in organizing and presenting at workshops and conferences;
• Take relevant courses and training;
• Participate in the PhD program activities and the intellectual life of the Institute.

Where you will work
You will become a member of the Research Group Violence & Violence Prevention at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs, which is part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) at Leiden University.

The mission of FGGA is to contribute to society. The faculty does this through high-quality interdisciplinary education and (new) scientific knowledge. Whether it is terrorism, security, artificial intelligence or a governance solution to the housing crisis, contemporary issues are comprehensively addressed at FGGA.
In the heart of The Hague, where important decisions are made, students and professionals come together to gain knowledge and skills. There is much collaboration with academic and societal partners, which ensures that students leave university with a smile and one foot in the future, ready to make a substantial contribution to society.

FGGA is one of the seven faculties of Leiden University. This young, entrepreneurial, innovative organisation has three scientific institutes, two centres, over 3,700 students and 425 staff members.

The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is a scientific institute specialising in security issues. ISGA is part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs of Leiden University. ISGA analyses and studies security issues with local, national, transnational and global impact. These include crises, intelligence, terrorism, war, violence and cybercrime. The institute is characterised by a multidisciplinary research approach.

ISGA is based in the residential city of The Hague, the international city of peace, justice and security. Inspiring interactions are maintained with other knowledge institutions, regional, national and international governments, the private sector and NGOs.

The Research Group Violence & Violence Prevention adopts a multi-dimensional, interdisciplinary perspective, in which we use and adapt concepts from sociology, anthropology, public health and public policy, criminology, victimology, forensic psychology and pedagogy – moving past mono-disciplinary approaches to research into violence and public order. In our data-driven research, we seek to help design evidence-based, tailored interventions and to aid efforts to reduce the violence burden on society. As a Group, we teach a range of courses in the minor Violence Studies and in the CSM Track Governance of Violence.

What you bring
We are looking for someone who can work independently. Every job is different, so in the beginning we will devote attention to your onboarding. If some of the work activities are new to you, we will consider together what your needs are, and draw up a development plan. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:

• A (Research) Master’s degree in Criminology, Sociology, Gender Studies, Psychology, Public Health, Crisis and Security Management or a related social science field.
• Excellent command of English and Dutch.
• An excellent command of and experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• A substantive interest in and extensive background knowledge of violence research, with a focus on gender-related violence.
  Willingness and ability to contribute to teaching in the Minor Violence Studies and in other courses in Bachelor Security Studies and in the Master Crisis & Security Management.
• Excellent study results and academic skills, demonstrated in the Bachelor’s and Master’s course transcripts.
• The ability to work independently, and as part of a team, demonstrated in prior research, work or internship experience.
• A strong ethical commitment to the critical examination and meaningful response to violence against women.
• If you recognise yourself in this profile, but do not meet all the requirements, but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!

What we offer
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located in the bustling city centre of The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.

We also offer:

• An employment contract for 38 hours a week (1.0 fte) as a PhD candidate, initially for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension for 3 years after a positive evaluation. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities, and the starting date is 15 October 2025;
• A salary of a minimum of € 2.901,- and a maximum of € 3.707,- gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale P);
• 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 or bicycle scheme, and we also offer child-care options;
• 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.
• All our PhD students are embedded in the Graduate School of Governance and Global Affairs. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness.

What we find important
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.