Loading...

PhD in Data Governance for Equitable and Sustainable Digital Food Systems (DigiFood Project)

**Job Description**
This PhD position is part of the ERC-funded DigiFood Project, an interdisciplinary and transnational research initiative examining how data governance frameworks can foster more sustainable and equitable food systems. The project investigates how emerging legal norms, institutional practices, and digital infrastructures reshape agrarian relations, with a focus on small-scale food producers, peasants, and Indigenous communities in the Global South. The PhD will conduct original empirical socio-legal research on the legal and cultural dimensions of agricultural digitalization and data governance, focusing on one of three country case studies: India, Kenya, or Colombia, while collaborating with civil society organizations and social movements.

**Skills & Abilities**
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative environment.
• Interest and ability in engaging in independent fieldwork for at least nine months.
• Familiarity with socio-legal literature and qualitative research methods.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary and international research team.
• Fluency in either Spanish, Hindi, or Kiswahili (fluency in national languages is expected).

**Qualifications**
Required Degree(s) in:
• Law
• Anthropology
• Development Studies
• Science and Technology Studies
• A closely related field

**Experience**
Experience Required:
• Demonstrated experience in conducting empirical research, ideally in the country or region for which you are applying.
• Knowledge of digital agriculture and/or data governance, especially in relation to equity and sustainability.
• Experience working with social movements and civil society actors-ideally with peasant and Indigenous communities.
Other:
• Familiarity with one of the project’s country contexts (Colombia, Kenya, or India) is an asset.
• Leiden University expects lecturers to obtain the Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) within two years if not already held.

Note: We’ve analyzed the actual job post using AI, for more details visit the original job post by clicking on “Apply Now”!

Experience
Experience Required: • Demonstrated experience in conducting empirical research, ideally in the country or region for which you are applying. • Knowledge of digital agriculture and/or data governance, especially in relation to equity and sustainability. • Experience working with social movements and civil society actors-ideally with peasant and Indigenous communities. Other: • Familiarity with one of the project's country contexts (Colombia, Kenya, or India) is an asset. • Leiden University expects lecturers to obtain the Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) within two years if not already held.
Work Level
Ph.D
Employment Type
Scholarship
Salary
Annual Salary: €36,708 - €46,572 gross (based on a full-time appointment) Position Classification: Scale P Union Affiliation: CLA of Dutch Universities Benefits: 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, attractive ABP pension scheme, full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs, flexible working hours (minimum 29 leave days, option to save for extra leave by working 40 hours/week, or exchange hours for a 36-hour week), options for sabbatical or paid parental leave, individual choices model (exchange leave/salary for sports subscription, bicycle scheme), child-care options, home-working allowance (day and internet allowance), provision of laptop and mobile telephone (if applicable).
Valid Until
October 9, 2025
Details
Full-time / Temporary Duration: 4 years (February 2026 - February 2030) Remote Work: Hybrid
School / Department / Center / Lab
• Van Vollenhoven Institute for Law, Governance and Society (VVI) • Leiden Law School
Supervisor(s)
Dr. Matthew Canfield
Supervisor Email
m.canfield@law.leidenuniv.nl
Leiden University
View profile