Fully Funded PhD in Archaeobotany – Groningen

About the Program

The University of Groningen is offering a fully funded PhD position in Archaeobotany and Heritage Studies within the Groningen Institute of Archaeology (GIA). Supervised by Dr Mans Schepers and Dr Shanade Barnabas, this four-year project invites the selected candidate to critically examine the university’s extensive archaeobotany collections. The research will explore ethical and community-led approaches to curation, preservation, and interpretation, while addressing themes such as colonial legacies, ownership, restitution, and heritage justice. The position allows academic flexibility, encouraging applicants to shape the project according to their expertise and interests. With a strong interdisciplinary foundation across heritage studies, archaeology, anthropology, and environmental humanities, this PhD offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research with real-world cultural impact.

Program Details

Position: Fully Funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
Institution: University of Groningen
Department/Faculty: Faculty of Arts – Groningen Institute of Archaeology (GIA)
Supervisors: Dr Mans Schepers, Dr Shanade Barnabas
Location: Groningen, Netherlands
Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
Duration: 4 years
Funding: Fully funded, salary €3,059–€3,881/month (scale P), 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme
Working Hours: Full-time (1.0 FTE)
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in a relevant humanities or social science discipline

Research Focus/Area

Critical heritage practices
Archaeobotanical collections and curation
Heritage justice and ethical stewardship
Decolonial heritage studies
Bioarchaeology and environmental humanities

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Cultural Studies, Heritage Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, Geography, or related fields
Experience with social-scientific research methods (qualitative and/or quantitative)
Excellent command of written and spoken English
Strong academic writing skills
Excellent interpersonal and collaborative abilities

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with bioarchaeological or museal collections
Experience working with complex or incomplete datasets
Ability to connect theoretical concepts to tangible heritage contexts
Knowledge of (bio)archaeological subdisciplines
Prior research on cultural heritage or public archaeology

Key Features of the Program

Opportunity to design and shape research direction
Interdisciplinary academic environment
Limited teaching responsibilities (0.4 FTE in years 2–4)
Access to significant archaeobotanical collections
Opportunities for outreach and public engagement activities
Pension scheme and potential tax benefits for non-Dutch applicants

Application Process

How to Apply:

Submit your application via the official University of Groningen online portal. Incomplete or email applications will not be considered.

Required Documents:

Motivation letter
Curriculum Vitae (including list of grades)
Contact details of two academic referees
Copy of diploma (or a statement from your supervisor if you are still completing your Master’s)
2-page research proposal
Writing sample (e.g., MA thesis or published work in English)