About the PhD Position
The Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, is looking for a PhD candidate (4 years, 1.0 FTE) in the field of archaeobotany and digital 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 PhD position is funded for four years and offers a gross monthly salary of €3,059–€3,881 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The research involves multi-proxy archaeobotanical data collection, high-resolution vegetation reconstruction, climate and environmental analysis, integration with zooarchaeological and biomolecular datasets, and digital modelling of prehistoric landscapes. Candidates will also engage in workshops, public outreach, and publication of articles in peer-reviewed journals.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Earth Sciences, Paleoecology, or related disciplines, who aim to pursue academic, postdoctoral, or research careers in Archaeobotany, Digital Archaeology, Environmental Archaeology, Heritage Science, or Biodiversity Studies. Applicants will benefit from structured doctoral training, access to advanced laboratories, fieldwork opportunities, and international collaboration in a dynamic research environment.
Explore fully funded research opportunities and academic positions in Archaeobotany for international scholars seeking innovative academic positions in prehistoric ecology, conservation education, and interdisciplinary scientific research.
Program Overview
- Position: Fully Funded PhD / Doctoral Researcher in Archaeobotany and Digital Archaeology
- Institution: Leiden University, Netherlands
- Department: Department of World Archaeology, Faculty of Archaeology
- Research Group: ERC-funded WILDERFARM Project
- Supervisor: Dr Nathalie Brusgaard, Co-supervisor Dr Mans Schepers
- Location: Leiden, Netherlands
- Duration: 4 years (1.0 FTE)
- Start Date: September 2026
- Funding: Gross monthly salary €3,059–€3,881, under Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities
- Employment Type: Full-time (38 hours per week)
- Number of Positions: 1
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s in Archaeology, Anthropology, Earth Sciences, Paleoecology, or related field
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Research Focus
- Reconstructing Mesolithic–Neolithic human-wildlife relationships
- Multi-proxy archaeobotanical analysis and vegetation reconstruction
- Digital landscape modelling and environmental archaeology
- Integration with zooarchaeological and biomolecular datasets
- Conservation education and interdisciplinary collaboration
Explore advanced research and academic opportunities in archaeology worldwide, where scholars can engage in fieldwork, data analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful research.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- Completed Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Paleoecology, Earth Sciences, or related discipline
- Demonstrable interest in prehistoric archaeology and environmental reconstruction
- Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in archaeobotany, digital archaeology, or palaeoenvironmental modelling
- Interest in Mesolithic–Neolithic transitions, agriculture, or biodiversity
- Ability to work in collaborative interdisciplinary teams
- Excellent command of English; knowledge of European languages is advantageous
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Key Responsibilities
- Collate multi-proxy archaeobotanical datasets
- Conduct high-resolution vegetation reconstructions and environmental analysis
- Integrate archaeobotanical results with zooarchaeology and biomolecular data
- Contribute to WILDERFARM outreach, workshops, and publications
- Present research at international conferences and produce a PhD dissertation
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the Leiden University application portal.
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages) outlining relevant experience and research interests
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Writing sample (thesis or publication)
- Name and contact of one referee
Important Dates:
- Application open: Now
- Application Deadline: 3 May 2026 (CET)
- Interviews: Late May / Early June (online)
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
Where to Apply
- University Website: Leiden University
- Department Information: Department of World Archaeology
- Official Job Announcement: PhD position in archaeobotany of human-wildlife relationships
- Application Portal: Apply Here
📧 Contact for Queries: n.o.brusgaard@arch.leidenuniv.nl
This PhD position offers an excellent opportunity for international scholars seeking fully funded research support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced training in archaeobotany, digital archaeology, and environmental reconstruction at Leiden University, the Netherlands.
Explore fully funded PhD programmes, scholarships, and global academic opportunities for early-career researchers seeking international study, research funding, interdisciplinary training, career development, and access to top universities worldwide.
