Erasmus University Rotterdam PhD Candidate Position 2026: Study the Transimperial History of Women’s Work

Are you passionate about history, gender studies, colonial societies, archival research, or digital humanities? Erasmus University Rotterdam is offering an exciting fully funded PhD opportunity for highly motivated researchers interested in investigating the transimperial history of women’s work between 1600 and 1900.

The Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) is seeking two PhD candidates to join an ambitious research project examining how European colonial expansion influenced ideas, practices, and experiences surrounding women’s labour across different regions of the world.

The successful candidates will become part of an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research team led by Dr. Natália da Silva Perez. The project combines traditional historical and archival research with innovative computational approaches, including handwritten text recognition, multilingual datasets, digital humanities methods, natural language processing, statistical analysis, and qualitative historical research.

The positions provide an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars to pursue doctoral research while receiving a competitive monthly salary, professional development opportunities, extensive employment benefits, research experience, teaching exposure, and access to an international academic environment in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

About the Erasmus University Rotterdam PhD Research Project

The PhD project focuses on the relationship between European colonial expansion and changing ideas about women’s work between 1600 and 1900.

European colonialism created extensive political, economic, social, and cultural connections between European metropolitan centres and territories across Africa, the Americas, and other parts of the world. These connections influenced how labour was organised, represented, regulated, and understood.

Women played crucial roles within colonial and transimperial economies and societies. However, ideas about women’s work were often shaped by gender, race, class, colonial power, slavery, migration, and social hierarchies.

This research project seeks to investigate these complex historical relationships by examining both normative ideas about gendered labour and the lived experiences of women.

Rather than studying colonial societies in isolation, the project adopts a transimperial perspective. This approach explores how ideas, people, texts, institutions, and understandings of labour moved between different colonial territories and European metropolitan centres.

The selected PhD candidates will conduct independent doctoral research while contributing to a broader collaborative project.

The research will focus on one of two historical cases:

1. Pernambuco
2. Atlantic Africa, including potential research areas such as Senegambia, the Gold Coast, or Angola

Through these historical cases, the PhD researchers will explore important questions surrounding women’s labour, colonial societies, gender relations, and the circulation of ideas across imperial boundaries.

Understanding the Transimperial History of Women’s Work

The central objective of the project is to understand how women’s lived experiences of work either conformed to or diverged from dominant ideas about gendered labour.

Historical societies often developed expectations regarding what types of work women should perform. However, these expectations did not always reflect the realities of women’s everyday lives.

Women participated in numerous forms of economic, domestic, agricultural, commercial, and social labour. Their work could be influenced by factors including:

• Gender
• Colonial rule
• Social class
• Race
• Enslavement
• Migration
• Family structures
• Economic systems
• Religious institutions
• Legal regulations
• Cultural traditions

The research project will investigate how ideas about women’s work circulated between European metropolitan centres and colonial territories.

By examining archival records from multiple regions and imperial contexts, researchers will be able to explore similarities, differences, exchanges, and transformations in historical understandings of gendered labour.

This makes the PhD particularly relevant for scholars interested in:

• Colonial history
• Early modern history
• Women’s history
• Gender history
• African history
• Atlantic history
• Labour history
• Social history
• Digital humanities
• Historical archives
• Computational research methods
• Intersectionality
• Social reproduction theory

Research Areas Available for PhD Candidates

Applicants will be expected to focus their doctoral research on one of the project’s two major historical cases.

1. Pernambuco

One possible research focus is Pernambuco, a historically significant region in Brazil with a complex colonial past.

Researchers choosing this case may investigate historical sources relating to women’s work, labour systems, colonial societies, economic structures, and the circulation of ideas between Pernambuco and European metropolitan centres.

Applicants interested in the Pernambuco case may benefit from knowledge of languages such as:

• Portuguese
• Dutch
• Spanish

Depending on their proposed research direction, candidates may also be encouraged to develop additional linguistic skills relevant to the archival material.

2. Atlantic Africa

The second research focus concerns Atlantic Africa.

Potential geographical areas may include:

• Senegambia
• The Gold Coast
• Angola

This research case offers an opportunity to investigate women’s work and gendered labour within historically interconnected African and Atlantic worlds.

Researchers may examine the movement of people, ideas, economic systems, and institutional practices across African regions, colonial territories, and European metropolitan centres.

Relevant archival languages may include:

• Portuguese
• Dutch
• French
• English
• Danish

Candidates are not necessarily expected to possess expertise in every language listed. However, strong knowledge of at least one language relevant to the chosen historical case is required, and willingness to develop additional language skills will be viewed positively.

What Will the Selected PhD Candidates Do?

The successful candidates will undertake independent doctoral research while contributing to the wider collaborative project.

The PhD programme is designed to combine traditional historical research with modern computational and digital methodologies.

Selected researchers will be expected to carry out several important academic and research activities.

Build and Curate Historical Datasets

One of the major responsibilities will involve contributing to the development of multilingual and transimperial historical datasets.

These datasets will focus on evidence relating to women’s work and gendered labour.

The materials may include:

• Handwritten archival documents
• Printed historical sources
• Multilingual texts
• Colonial records
• Historical correspondence
• Administrative documents
• Other relevant primary sources

Researchers will contribute to the organisation and curation of these materials across different geographical locations and historical periods.

The project is particularly innovative because it combines historical evidence from multiple imperial and linguistic contexts.

Conduct Archival Research

Archival research will form a central component of the doctoral project.

PhD candidates will identify, examine, interpret, and analyse primary historical materials relevant to their selected research case.

Applicants will also be required to demonstrate an awareness of relevant archives when applying for the position.

As part of the application, candidates must identify two archives they intend to consult and explain why these archives are important for their proposed historical research.

Work with Multilingual Historical Texts

The project involves historical materials written in multiple languages.

Depending on the selected research case and linguistic expertise, researchers may work with texts in:

• Portuguese
• Dutch
• French
• English
• Spanish
• Danish

This multilingual dimension is particularly important because transimperial history requires researchers to examine connections that cross national, linguistic, and imperial boundaries.

Candidates who are willing to develop additional language skills relevant to the project will be positively considered.

Use Transkribus for Historical Text Transcription

The PhD candidates will work with Transkribus, a platform commonly used for the transcription and analysis of historical handwritten documents.

Researchers may use handwritten text recognition technologies to convert archival documents into searchable and analysable text.

However, automated transcription is not always perfect.

Candidates will therefore also be expected to manually review and correct transcription results.

This combination of digital technology and human expertise provides an opportunity to develop advanced skills in computational historical research.

Conduct Qualitative Historical Analysis

The project incorporates qualitative and interpretivist approaches to historical research.

PhD candidates may analyse historical evidence through theoretical perspectives including:

• Interpretivist approaches
• Social reproduction theory
• Intersectionality

These approaches can help researchers understand how historical experiences were shaped by multiple forms of social difference and power.

For example, women’s experiences of work may have differed depending on factors such as social position, ethnicity, colonial status, enslavement, family background, geographical location, and access to economic resources.

Apply Computational and Quantitative Methods

The doctoral researchers will also use computational, digital humanities, and statistical approaches.

Potential methodological areas include:

• Handwritten text recognition
• Natural language processing
• Corpus-based text analysis
• Statistical analysis
• Digital humanities
• Computational historical research
• Dataset development
• Quantitative analysis

Candidates do not necessarily need to be experts in all these areas before beginning the PhD.

Applicants with experience and enthusiasm for computational methods are encouraged to apply, and candidates willing to develop their skills in these areas will also be considered.

Present Research at Academic Conferences

The successful candidates will be expected to communicate their research findings to the wider academic community.

This includes presenting research at relevant conferences.

Conference participation provides PhD researchers with opportunities to:

• Share their research findings
• Receive academic feedback
• Connect with other scholars
• Build international research networks
• Develop academic presentation skills
• Increase the visibility of their doctoral work

Publish Academic Research

The PhD dissertation will follow an article-based format.

Candidates will therefore be expected to publish research findings in peer-reviewed academic journals.

The publications may include:

• Co-authored articles
• Single-authored articles

This structure offers valuable experience in academic publishing and helps researchers develop a strong scholarly publication record during their doctoral studies.

Contribute to Teaching

The selected candidates will also participate in teaching activities within the History Department.

Teaching responsibilities can provide important professional experience for researchers interested in future academic careers.

Through teaching, doctoral candidates may strengthen their skills in:

• Academic communication
• Curriculum engagement
• Student support
• Presentation
• Research dissemination
• Higher education teaching

Who Can Apply for the Erasmus University Rotterdam PhD Position?

Erasmus University Rotterdam is seeking highly motivated candidates with strong academic backgrounds and an interest in interdisciplinary historical research.

The position is particularly suitable for applicants who want to combine historical scholarship with innovative digital and computational methodologies.

Academic Qualification Requirements

Applicants must hold, or be expected to complete before the starting date, a research master’s degree or another relevant master’s degree.

Relevant academic backgrounds may include:

• History
• Gender Studies
• Digital Humanities
• Early Modern Studies
• Colonial Studies
• African History
• Atlantic History
• Cultural History
• Social History
• Women’s Studies
• Humanities
• Other related disciplines

The master’s degree must be completed by the beginning of the appointment.

English Language Skills

Applicants must demonstrate excellent knowledge of English.

Strong English skills are required for:

• Academic writing
• Research communication
• Conference presentations
• Scholarly publishing
• Collaboration within an international research team

Because the research environment is internationally oriented, the ability to communicate effectively in English is essential.

Additional Language Requirements

Candidates must have strong knowledge of at least one additional language relevant to archival research for their chosen historical case.

For applicants focusing on Pernambuco, relevant languages include:

• Portuguese
• Dutch
• Spanish

For applicants focusing on Atlantic Africa, relevant languages include:

• Portuguese
• Dutch
• French
• English
• Danish

The ability and willingness to develop additional language skills will also be considered an advantage.

Interest in Historical Research

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in or experience with areas such as:

• Early modern history
• Colonial history
• Gender history
• Women’s history
• Colonial Atlantic history
• Relations between colonies and European metropolitan centres

Candidates should be able to demonstrate how their previous academic training, research experience, or intellectual interests relate to the broader objectives of the project.

Interest in Digital and Computational Methods

The project strongly encourages candidates who have experience with or enthusiasm for computational and digital research methods.

Relevant skills may include experience with:

• Handwritten text recognition
• Digital humanities
• Natural language processing
• Statistics
• Corpus analysis
• Digital archives
• Data analysis

However, applicants who do not yet have extensive technical experience may still be competitive if they demonstrate a strong willingness to learn and develop these skills.

Analytical and Academic Writing Skills

Strong analytical ability is essential.

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• Excellent academic writing skills
• Intellectual curiosity
• Critical thinking
• Research independence
• Methodological flexibility
• Openness to experimentation

The PhD project involves combining multiple methodologies. Candidates should therefore be comfortable exploring new research approaches.

Ability to Work Independently and Collaboratively

Although each PhD candidate will conduct an independent research project, the positions are part of a collaborative research group.

Applicants should therefore be able to:

• Work independently
• Manage long-term research projects
• Collaborate with colleagues
• Participate in interdisciplinary discussions
• Contribute to collective research activities

Cultural Sensitivity and Reflexivity

The project involves archival materials relating to enslaved and colonised peoples.

Candidates must therefore demonstrate cultural sensitivity and reflexivity when working with historical sources.

This requirement is important because historical archives often reflect unequal power relationships and may contain perspectives shaped by colonial institutions.

Researchers must approach such materials critically and responsibly.

Preferred Qualifications

Although not mandatory, several additional qualifications may strengthen an application.

These include:

Knowledge of Additional Languages

Candidates with working knowledge of additional project-relevant languages may have an advantage.

These languages may include:

• Portuguese
• Dutch
• French
• English
• Spanish
• Danish

Archival and Paleographic Research Experience

Experience working with historical manuscripts or archival materials is considered beneficial.

Relevant experience may include:

• Reading historical documents
• Paleography
• Manuscript interpretation
• Archival research
• Primary source analysis

Qualitative Coding Experience

Experience with qualitative research methods and coding may also be useful.

Corpus-Based Text Analysis

Candidates with experience analysing large collections of texts may be particularly well positioned for the computational components of the project.

Theoretical Knowledge

Familiarity with the following theoretical approaches may be advantageous:

• Intersectionality
• Social reproduction theory
• Interpretivist historical methods

Salary and Employment Conditions

The PhD candidates will receive employment under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, known as CAO-NU.

The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of employment benefits.

Monthly Salary

The gross monthly salary ranges from:

€3,204 to €4,051

The salary is based on a full-time appointment.

Employment Duration

The initial contract will be offered for one year.

Subject to a positive assessment, the appointment may be extended for an additional three years.

This provides the possibility of a four-year doctoral employment trajectory.

Working Hours

The position is full-time.

The appointment is:

1.0 FTE

The full-time working schedule is based on approximately 38 hours per week.

Expected Start Date

The expected starting date is:

26 October 2026

Alternatively, the start date may be agreed upon after this date.

Benefits of the Erasmus University Rotterdam PhD Position

Beyond the monthly salary, successful candidates will receive access to a wide range of employment benefits and professional development opportunities.

Work-Life Balance

Erasmus University Rotterdam provides several benefits intended to support employee well-being and work-life balance.

Depending on the employment arrangement and consultation with management, benefits include:

• Opportunities for working from home
• Extensive paid leave
• 41 days of paid leave under a 40-hour contract
• 8% holiday pay
• An 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• Discounts on subscriptions to on-campus sports facilities

Professional and Career Development

PhD candidates will have access to opportunities supporting professional development.

These include:

• Development days
• Personal career budget opportunities
• Access to university resources
• Free access to the university library
• Opportunities to participate in academic research networks

The position provides a strong environment for developing expertise in historical research, archival methods, computational analysis, academic writing, publishing, and teaching.

Inclusive and Diverse Working Environment

Erasmus University Rotterdam promotes an inclusive and diverse workplace.

The university aims to create an environment where employees can bring their full identities and perspectives to their work.

The institution also supports various professional and community networks.

Employees may benefit from initiatives and networks such as:

• Young@EUR
• FAME
• QuEUR

The university welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Pension and Insurance Benefits

Employees may receive access to:

• A pension arrangement through ABP
• University contributions toward pension benefits
• Discounts on selected collective insurance arrangements

Travel and Remote Work Support

The university also provides compensation arrangements relating to:

• Travel
• Working from home
• Home internet use

Family-Friendly Employment Support

EUR provides support for employees balancing professional responsibilities with family life.

Relevant benefits may include:

• Partially paid parental leave
• Fully paid additional birth leave for partners
• Access to childcare facilities on campus

Support for International Employees

International applicants relocating to the Netherlands may be eligible for additional support.

Depending on individual eligibility requirements, this may include:

• Potential access to the Dutch 30% tax ruling
• Support through the Dual Career Programme
• Assistance for partners seeking employment opportunities

About Erasmus University Rotterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam is an internationally oriented research university located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The university is known for its strong focus on education, research, international collaboration, and societal impact.

Its mission is centred on the idea of creating positive societal impact.

EUR has a large and diverse international academic community, including:

• Approximately 4,100 academics and professionals
• Nearly 33,000 students
• Students and staff connected to more than 140 countries

The university operates under the guiding philosophy:

The Erasmian Way – Making Minds Matter

Its institutional values emphasise qualities such as:

• Global citizenship
• International connection
• Entrepreneurship
• Open-mindedness
• Social involvement

Researchers and staff work across disciplines to address complex societal challenges.

Rotterdam’s international and cosmopolitan environment also provides an attractive setting for scholars interested in global, transnational, and historical research.

About the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication

The Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, commonly known as ESHCC, is part of Erasmus University Rotterdam.

The school operates at the intersection of the Humanities and Social Sciences.

ESHCC consists of three major departments:

1. History
2. Arts and Culture
3. Media and Communication

The school provides an intellectually stimulating environment for Dutch and international students and researchers.

Its academic programmes include:

• Bachelor’s programmes
• Master’s programmes
• Multiple specialised academic tracks
• Erasmus Mundus programmes
• Research master’s programmes

Many programmes are internationally oriented and taught in English.

The Derius Research Institute

ESHCC hosts Derius, the Erasmus Research Institute for Media, Culture and History.

Researchers associated with the institute conduct interdisciplinary research in areas including:

• Media
• Communication
• Culture
• History
• Society

The research environment encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and seeks to increase the societal impact of academic research.

The school is located in the Van der Goot Building on Erasmus University’s Woudestein campus.

Documents Required for the Application

Applicants must submit their application by the stated deadline.

The application should include several important documents.

1. Curriculum Vitae

Candidates must submit an up-to-date CV.

The CV should ideally highlight relevant information such as:

• Educational background
• Master’s degree research
• Research experience
• Language skills
• Archival experience
• Digital humanities experience
• Publications
• Conference participation
• Technical skills
• Relevant professional or academic activities

2. Academic Writing Sample

Applicants must provide an excerpt from their master’s thesis.

Alternatively, candidates may submit another piece of academic writing that engages with primary sources.

The writing sample provides the selection committee with an opportunity to assess the applicant’s:

• Research skills
• Analytical ability
• Academic writing
• Use of sources
• Methodological approach

3. Motivation Letter

Applicants must submit a motivation letter of no more than 1,200 words.

The motivation letter is an important component of the application and should clearly demonstrate the applicant’s suitability for the project.

The letter must address several specific areas.

General Experience and Project Relevance

Applicants should explain their academic and research experience and demonstrate how it relates to the broader PhD project.

Candidates should connect their previous work with areas such as:

• History
• Gender
• Colonialism
• Archival research
• Digital humanities
• Computational methods
• Women’s labour

Choice of Historical Case

Applicants must clearly indicate which historical case they wish to research.

The available choices are:

• Pernambuco
• Atlantic Africa

Candidates should demonstrate that they have carefully considered their preferred research area.

Interest in the Selected Historical Case

Applicants must explain why their chosen historical case interests them.

A strong explanation could connect the proposed research area to:

• Previous academic research
• Master’s thesis work
• Language skills
• Historical interests
• Career objectives
• Knowledge of relevant archives

Relevant Language Skills

Candidates should clearly explain their language skills beyond English.

Applicants should demonstrate how these skills are relevant to their chosen historical case and proposed archival research.

Proposed Archives

One of the most important components of the motivation letter is the identification of two archives.

Applicants must:

1. Identify two archives they intend to consult for primary sources.
2. Explain why these archives are relevant to their selected historical case.
3. Demonstrate how the archival materials could contribute to the proposed research.

This requirement means applicants should conduct preliminary research before submitting their application.

A strong application will demonstrate awareness of potential primary sources and archival collections.

Computational and Digital Methods

Applicants should explain their previous experience with computational or digital research methods.

Those without extensive experience should demonstrate openness and enthusiasm for learning new methodologies.

How to Prepare a Competitive Application

Applicants interested in this PhD opportunity should approach the application strategically.

Research the Historical Case Thoroughly

Before applying, candidates should investigate both available historical cases and determine which aligns most closely with their academic background.

Consider:

• Your previous research experience
• Your master’s thesis topic
• Your language abilities
• Your knowledge of relevant historical contexts
• Availability of archival materials
• Long-term research interests

Identify Relevant Archives

Because applicants must identify two archives, this step should not be left until the final stages of preparing the application.

Research:

• National archives
• Colonial archives
• University collections
• Digital archives
• Historical manuscript collections
• Libraries with relevant primary source materials

Consider what types of documents may help answer questions about women’s work and gendered labour.

Demonstrate Methodological Curiosity

This project combines traditional and innovative methods.

Applicants should demonstrate openness to interdisciplinary research.

Even if you do not have extensive technical expertise, you can strengthen your application by showing:

• Curiosity about digital humanities
• Willingness to learn computational methods
• Experience working with digital research tools
• Interest in data-driven historical research

Connect Your Background to the Project

Your application should clearly explain why your previous academic experiences have prepared you for this PhD.

Relevant experiences may include:

• Master’s thesis research
• Archival research
• Historical research
• Gender studies
• Language studies
• Data analysis
• Digital humanities projects
• Research assistant positions
• Academic writing

Pay Attention to Language Requirements

Language skills are particularly important because the project involves multilingual archival research.

Clearly explain:

• Languages you currently speak or read
• Your level of proficiency
• Previous experience using the language academically
• How the language relates to your chosen historical case
• Your willingness to acquire additional languages

Selection and Interview Process

Candidates who progress through the initial application stage may be invited for an interview.

The interviews are expected to take place online.

Expected Interview Period

Interviews are scheduled for:

Week 40 of 2026

This falls in early October 2026.

Candidates should therefore ensure that their contact details are accurate and monitor their email after submitting their application.

APPLY HERE

Important Dates

Applicants should carefully note the following dates:

Activity	Date
Vacancy published	1 September 2026
Application deadline	20 September 2026
Expected online interviews	Week 40 of 2026
Expected start date	26 October 2026 or later by agreement

Why You Should Consider Applying

This opportunity offers considerably more than a conventional doctoral programme.

The selected candidates will gain the opportunity to develop expertise at the intersection of historical research and emerging digital methodologies.

Some of the major advantages include:

• Competitive monthly salary ranging from €3,204 to €4,051 gross
• Potential four-year doctoral employment trajectory
• Full-time funded academic position
• Opportunity to conduct independent doctoral research
• Research within an international university environment
• Training in archival research
• Experience with multilingual historical sources
• Exposure to digital humanities methodologies
• Opportunities to work with Transkribus
• Development of computational research skills
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative methods
• Opportunities to publish peer-reviewed research
• Conference presentation opportunities
• Teaching experience
• Extensive employment benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to academic resources and libraries
• Inclusive and internationally diverse working environment
• Potential support for international relocation

The interdisciplinary nature of the project is particularly attractive for researchers who want to move beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Candidates will have an opportunity to combine close reading of historical sources with computational approaches capable of analysing larger bodies of multilingual archival material.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Erasmus University Rotterdam PhD Candidate Position 2026.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Erasmus University Rotterdam welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds.

The university explicitly encourages applications regardless of:

• Gender identity
• Gender expression
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Ethnicity
• Age
• Neurodiversity
• Functional impairment
• Citizenship
• Other personal backgrounds

The institution aims to create an inclusive academic environment where diverse experiences and perspectives contribute to research and education.

International applicants are therefore encouraged to explore the opportunity.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications is: 20 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their documents early, particularly because the application requires careful preparation of a motivation letter, academic writing sample, language information, and preliminary archival research.

Late preparation may make it difficult to identify appropriate archives and develop a strong research-focused motivation letter.

Conclusion

The Erasmus University Rotterdam PhD Candidate position on the Transimperial History of Women’s Work presents an exceptional opportunity for emerging researchers interested in colonial history, gender history, women’s labour, Atlantic history, and digital humanities.

The project stands out because of its interdisciplinary methodology, combining traditional archival scholarship with computational analysis, multilingual historical research, handwritten text recognition, and quantitative methods.

Successful applicants will pursue independent doctoral research focusing on either Pernambuco or Atlantic Africa while contributing to a wider collaborative investigation into how European colonial expansion shaped ideas and realities surrounding women’s work between 1600 and 1900.

With a competitive salary of €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month, extensive employment benefits, opportunities for academic publishing and conference participation, and the possibility of a four-year doctoral trajectory, this position provides an excellent pathway for researchers seeking to build an international academic career.

Applicants with strong academic backgrounds, relevant language skills, an interest in colonial and gender history, and enthusiasm for innovative research methods should carefully consider applying. Since the application requires a well-developed motivation letter and preliminary identification of relevant archives, prospective candidates should begin preparing their materials as early as possible before the 20 September 2026 deadline.

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