PhD Researcher on collective action on human-wildlife conflict in East Africa

The Faculty of Science, Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) and the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, Leiden University College, are looking for a:

PhD Researcher on collective action on human-wildlife conflict in East Africa

Vacancy number: 15403

CurveBend

Curvebend is a 7-year transdisciplinary research program starting on 1 May 2025. The program is funded as part of the National Science Agenda (NWA) by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).

The ongoing worldwide loss of biodiversity is one of the most pressing issues of current times. CurveBend is a transdisciplinary research project that aims to develop science-based knowledge for bending the curve of biodiversity loss and restoring the relationships between humanity and nature.

The project will study, develop and support different forms of collective action at the landscape scale aimed at restoring biodiversity and promoting a nature-positive society. With a "hands-on" approach, we will compare three livestock-dominated regions on three continents: Dutch meadows, Argentine pampas, and East African savannas. We study the mismatches in the spatial needs of plants, animals and people for the various parts of landscapes. In co-creation with societal partners, we seek solutions to these mismatches. We develop and test new theories of change, explore the ways in which lessons can be translated to the wider societal environment and instigate change in governance and socio-economic systems. This should lead to innovative, practical solutions for biodiversity restoration at the landscape scale serving as inspiration worldwide.

The CurveBend consortium consists of 33 researchers from 9 research institutes in the Netherlands, Argentina, Kenya and Tanzania. Also part of the consortium are 39 societal cooperation partners that work with the researchers on co-creating novel solutions. Cooperation partners include a range of societal organisations from the Netherlands, Argentina, Kenya and Tanzania that are active in nature conservation, agroecology, communal land management and collective action.

PhD position (4 yrs) - Collective action on human-wildlife conflict

Supervision: prof. Jan-Willem Erisman, dr. Caroline Archambault and dr. Michiel Veldhuis

Job description: In this project, you will:

Objectives: 1) Understand how different collectives are organised to govern human-animal conflict, 2) Understand how different collectives are organised to govern human-plant conflict (invasive species), 3) Identify key barriers and enablers in collective organisation towards conflict mitigation and increased safety for both wildlife and people, 4) Evaluate effects of rainfall and land-tenure on collective action regarding human-wildlife conflict.

Methodology: The PhD will conduct semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in different Maasai communities that vary in the land tenure systems and rainfall (high vs low) to understand their organisation regarding governance of human-wildlife conflict, identifying barriers and enablers for successful collective action. They will evaluate current actions to reduce human-wildlife conflict (e.g. invasive species control, bee keeping, rapid response teams, landscape planning). Conflict hot- and coldspots (plants and animals) will be mapped across the study area using remote-sensing combined with ground-truthing. This mixed methods approach will connect interviews, FGDs and spatial data to evaluate the role of collective action structure and resource availability (high vs low rainfall) on human-wildlife conflict.

Responsibilities and Tasks: 1) Mapping variation in collective action regarding human-wildlife (invasive plants and megafauna) conflict, 2) Identify barriers and enable collective action regarding human-wildlife conflict, 3) Quantify spatial variation in human-wildlife conflict. 4) Evaluate the effectiveness of various collective action initiatives to reduce human-wildlife conflict.Place of work: based in Leiden, fieldwork across Maasailand (Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania)

Qualifications: 1) A completed (research) master degree in conservation, environmental sciences, sustainability or equivalent; 2) Experience with quantitative methods and software (e.g. GIS, statistics, R); 3) Keen interest in developing mixed methods skills (qualitative social science methods); 4) Proven affinity with savanna ecosystems, including pastoralist rangelands; 5) Affinity with Masaai communities; 6) A team player with a collaborative attitude and ability to work within an interdisciplinary team composed of anthropologists, economists and ecologists; 7) Swahili/Maa language proficiency is preferred; 8) English language proficiency is required.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences CML at the Faculty of Science

CML is a global leader in the field of sustainability assessment, especially Life Cycle Assessment, Material Flow Analysis and Environmental Input-Output Analysis. It offers a vibrant and supportive community of scientists committed to the challenges of sustainability, with a multidecade record of leading the field of industrial ecology in Life Cycle Assessment, Material Flow Analysis and Environmental Input-Output Analysis. CML distinguishes itself for its attention to professional development in coordination with the interests of its scientists. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and experiment in a friendly environment fully embodying academic freedom across all career levels.

CML is part of the Faculty of Science, which is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expanding fundamental knowledge by curiosity and looking beyond the borders of their discipline; they aim to benefit science and make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences.

Leiden University College, Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs

Leiden University College The Hague (LUC) is the international English-language Honours College of Leiden University. Talented and motivated students from all over the world come to The Hague especially to take part in the innovative Liberal Arts and Science programme that focuses on today's global challenges. For more than a decade, LUC can count on a spot in the Keuzegids Universiteiten as the best-rated University College in the Netherlands. The academic staff, with diverse backgrounds and disciplines, have a passion for teaching and education in which the student is central. LUC is part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA), 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.

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.

We also offer:

• At Leiden University, a PhD candidate is seen as an employee rather than a student. As such, we offer a 1-year position with the possibility of extension to 4 years based on performance and following the pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Salary ranges from € 2.901.- gross per month in the first year to € 3707 gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position. (38 hours)
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP.
• Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break (“30% rule”).
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days based on a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options are available when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for 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 to good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.
• All our PhD students are embedded in the Graduate School of Science. 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.