PhD position in zooarchaeology of human-wildlife relationships

The Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, is looking for a PhD candidate (4 years, 1.0 FTE) in the field of zooarchaeology and biomolecular archaeology to join the ERC-funded project WILDERFARM and carry out cutting-edge research on human-wildlife relationships during the Mesolithic-Neolithic.

The position is part of the ERC-funded Starting Grant project WILDERFARM - ‘Where the wild things were: how the rise of farming changed human-wildlife relationships’. WILDERFARM explores the significant changes in human-wildlife relationships that occurred with the rise of farming in western Europe between 6000 and 2000 BCE. Using an interdisciplinary combination of methods, WILDERFARM examines how early farmers renegotiated the age-old relationship with wild animals and how the rise of farming and its activities, such as livestock grazing and crop husbandry, affected wildlife.

The WILDERFARM project is divided into four interconnected Work Packages (WP):

WP1: Identifying how human exploitation of wild animals changed over time.
WP2: Examining the overlap between farming activities and wildlife habitats.
WP3: Controlling for whether human-wildlife relationships were affected by environmental change.
WP4: Clarifying the nature and timing of the Neolithic transition based on changes in the human-wildlife relationship. Evaluating how the archaeology of human-wildlife relationships can contribute to conservation education in the present.

What you will do

The successful candidate will be responsible for the sub-project on zooarchaeology, contributing to WP1 & 2, and will also contribute to other aspects of WILDERFARM, including the other work packages. Your work will allow us to reconstruct hunting practices and interpret the interplay between wild and domestic animals.

Key tasks:

• Collate an inventory of zooarchaeological data from the study region.
• Carry out stable isotope analysis to reconstruct wild and domestic animal diets.
• Analyse proteomics data to investigate the taphonomic effects on wild animal remains.
• Work closely with other WILDERFARM team members to integrate the zooarchaeological and biomolecular results with archaeobotanical and palaeogenomic results.
• Contribute to WILDERFARM’s public outreach, workshop, and overall aims.
• Publish several articles in peer-reviewed academic journals and present at (inter)national conferences, both independently and with team members.
• Produce a PhD dissertation based on the articles within a four-year timeframe;
• Engage with the Faculty community through discussion meetings, journal club, and Graduate School of Archaeology events.
• Follow PhD courses based on an individual training and supervision plan, including those offered by the Graduate School of Archaeology;

What you bring

In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently but collaboratively. 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 look together at what you need, and draw up a development plan. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:

• A Master’s degree completed by the time of the appointment in archaeology, anthropology, (paleo)ecology, or related field.
• Either experience with zooarchaeology and a keen interest in biomolecular archaeology or experience with biomolecular analysis and a keen interest in zooarchaeology.
• Demonstrable interest in prehistoric archaeology and environmental archaeology. Interest in Mesolithic/Neolithic archaeology, agriculture, or biodiversity is considered an advantage.
• Ability to translate technical findings into the reconstruction of human-animal relationships.
• Research and writing skills demonstrated by a master’s thesis and/or publications;
• Ability to work in a team.
• Strong communication skills. Excellent command of English (command of Dutch is not required, but knowledge of one or more European languages is considered an advantage);

If you immediately recognise yourself in this profile, or if do you not quite meet all the requirements but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!

What we offer

We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between €3059 - €3881 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (PhD student);
• 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 and bicycle scheme;
• 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 and a mobile telephone.

Our faculty

The future of the past begins at Leiden University. The Faculty of Archaeology is internationally leading for its research, home to a broad array of specializations and notable for its strong connection between teaching and research. Home to over 500 students in the multidisciplinary world of Archaeology, the Faculty, and its researchers from all areas of the archaeological field, determine the future of archaeological research. More information about our university and our faculty can be found at: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/archaeology

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.

Want to apply or find out more?

If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Dr Nathalie Brusgaard

at n.o.brusgaard@arch.leidenuniv.nl. You can apply until May 3rd 2026; applications will be processed immediately.

For other matters, please contact Human Resources HR@arch.leidenuniv.nl.

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden

Please attach the following additional documents, stating the job number above:

• Motivation letter, including your relevant interest and experience in the subject matter and in doing advanced research (max 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• A writing sample (thesis or publication)
• The name and address of one referee (no actual recommendation letters required at this stage).

The first round of interviews will be scheduled late May/early June. Selected candidates will initially be invited for an online interview. We kindly request that you be available (online) during this period.

• We believe mobility is very important. That is why we are also publishing this vacancy internally. In case of equal suitability, we will give priority to the internal candidate.
• A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid