Fully Funded PhD in Archaeology and Human Evolution at Leiden University, Netherlands

About the Program

Leiden University is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD opportunity in Archaeological Sciences, focused on human evolution and palaeodietary research. This position is part of the prestigious NWO-VICI funded project Hominin FoodWays, led by Professor Amanda G. Henry. The project explores how early humans adapted their diets and food processing techniques during migration across diverse environments. The PhD research will examine the energetic costs and nutritional benefits of Eurasian wild plant foods, contributing key insights into the role of diet in hominin dispersal beyond Africa. The selected candidate will gain hands-on training in both field and lab methods, benefit from dual supervision across two leading Dutch universities, and work within an international and interdisciplinary team.

Program Details

• Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
• Institution: Leiden University
• Department/Faculty: Faculty of Archaeology, Department of Archaeological Sciences
• Supervisor: Prof. dr. Amanda G. Henry (Leiden University) and Prof. dr. Vincenzo Fogliano (Wageningen University)
• Location: Leiden, Netherlands
• Start Date (Anticipated): September 2025 (flexible until December 2025)
• Duration: 4 years
• Funding: Fully funded through NWO-VICI project grant
• Working Hours: 38 hours/week
• Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s

Research Focus

• Early hominin diet and foraging strategies
• Nutritional analysis of wild plants
• Human energetics and experimental archaeology
• Plant processing and caloric return studies
• Human evolution and behavioural adaptation
• Agent-based modelling and palaeoecological data

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Human Nutrition, or a related discipline
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)
• Willingness and ability to travel for fieldwork in Europe
• Valid driving licence
• Availability to start the position between September and December 2025

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in human evolution, palaeodiet, or paleoanthropology
• Laboratory research experience in nutritional or energetic studies
• Familiarity with archaeological or ecological field methods
• Knowledge of Dutch, French, or German is an asset
• Excellent communication and time-management skills

Key Features of the Program

• Research conducted within a VICI-funded international project
• Access to laboratories at Wageningen University for nutritional analysis
• Participation in the Graduate School of Archaeology training programme
• Opportunities to attend international conferences
• Publication of research in peer-reviewed journals
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary working environment

Application Process

How to Apply:

Applications should be submitted via the official Leiden University application portal. All application materials must be combined into one PDF and include the vacancy number.

Required Documents:

• Motivation letter (max 1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae (with publication list if available)
• Contact details for two academic referees (no letters needed at this stage)

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 22 April 2025
• Deadline: 31 May 2025
• Interviews: Week of 16 June 2025 (conducted online)

Where to Apply

• University Website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/archaeology
• Job posting link: Click here
• Application Portal: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/vacatures

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