About the Program
This PhD position is part of the NWO-funded Vidi research project titled “An Anthropology of the Material World in Ancient Mesopotamia” (AMW), led by Dr Shiyanthi Thavapalan at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The project investigates Mesopotamian understandings of nature, technology, and innovation from ca. 2000–330 BCE. It offers a dynamic interdisciplinary environment, access to international academic networks, and opportunities for collaborative publication, teaching, and organising academic events. The position is fully funded for four years.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position
- Institution: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- Department/Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
- Supervisor: Dr Shiyanthi Thavapalan
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026 (latest)
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Full funding with a monthly gross salary starting at €2,901 up to €3,707 in the fourth year
- Working Hours: Full-time (1.0 FTE)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in Assyriology, Ancient Near Eastern Languages & Cultures, or Ancient Near Eastern History
Research Focus/Area
- Assyrian and Babylonian perspectives on nature and knowledge
- Conceptualisation of plants and minerals in Mesopotamian culture
- Role of tools, technology, and theory in explaining the natural world
- Innovation, ingenuity, and sustainability in the Ancient Near East
- Analysis of cuneiform texts and artistic traditions
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field (Assyriology, Ancient Near Eastern Studies)
- Proficiency in Akkadian and cuneiform
- Reading knowledge of English, German, and French
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Material Culture Studies, History of Science or Technology, or STS
- Interest in interdisciplinary research
- Collaborative and organisational skills
- Dutch language proficiency is a plus
Key Features of the Program
- 30 ECTS PhD training at VU Amsterdam and national research school
- Embedded in the Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology
- Joint publications and outreach with a dynamic international team
- Workshop organisation in 2027
- Travel/conference funding and support
- Inclusive, diverse academic community
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted via the official Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam portal. Applications by email will not be considered.
Required Documents:
- Letter of motivation (maximum two pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Writing sample (e.g. MA thesis)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 12 June 2025
- Deadline: 20 July 2025
- Interviews (if applicable): Second week of September 2025
Where to Apply
- University Website: https://vu.nl
- Official Notification: PhD Researcher in Ancient Near Eastern History/Assyriology | Working At VU
- Application Portal: Apply via VU Portal
