Two PhD positions on human subject research in colonial Southeast Asia

The Institute for History at the University of Leiden invites applications for 2 PhD positions. The PhD candidates will become part of the ERC-funded project “Human Subject Research and Medical Ethics in Colonial Southeast Asia”, led by dr. Fenneke Sysling. The PhD positions are fully funded. The expected starting date is 1 September 2023.

Project description

This project looks at ethical practices in the history of medicine in colonial Southeast Asia, with the Dutch East Indies, British Malaya and the American Philippines as comparatives cases. Candidates will focus on one of two themes:

1. The History of Vaccine Testing, Administering and Resistance. The focus in this PhD project will be on the testing and administering of vaccines as well as on local responses to western medical practices. The candidate will look at the Dutch East Indies, British Malaya and/or the American Philippines.

2. Testing, administering and discussing new drugs in the colonies (20th century). The focus in this PhD project will be on the transfer of medical knowledge and ethical practices from Europe to Southeast Asia, in particular to the Dutch East Indies, British Malaya and the American Philippines.

For all information on the project and to apply, please visit this page.

Deadline for applications: 7 May 2023.