Key Skills

Job Description

Postdoctoral Researcher The Department of World Archaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Palaeolithic Archaeology to join a research project funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and carried out at the Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University. The position will start no later than April 1, 2027 with an initial appointment of one year, with the possibility of extension up to a total of 2 years, contingent upon good performance. Project Description The Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, seeks to appoint a full-time postdoctoral researcher to conduct research on Palaeolithic shelter use in East-Central Europe. The successful candidate will join the Department of World Archaeology and contribute to the ERC-funded Consolidator Grant HOME: Palaeolithic Shelters in East-Central Europe, led by Dr Wei Chu. HOME investigates how and why Palaeolithic groups used sheltered locations and how these places formed part of wider settlement systems. The project combines archaeological fieldwork, geophysical survey, geoarchaeology, lithic analysis, spatial analysis, and the reassessment of legacy archaeological collections and documentation. The postdoctoral researcher will lead research within Work Package 4 (WP4), which focuses on identifying and investigating Palaeolithic shelters in the Carpathian region. A central challenge of WP4 is to identify evidence for Palaeolithic shelter use in both newly investigated and previously excavated sites, where archaeological deposits may be fragmentary, disturbed, poorly documented, or difficult to distinguish from natural accumulations. The successful candidate will combine new field investigations with the systematic study of legacy lithic collections, excavation plans, field documentation, and other archival material. They will be expected to develop and implement field strategies, lead fieldwork in collaboration with project partners, and integrate archaeological and spatial evidence to identify patterns of shelter use. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the PI and other HOME team members and will contribute to the wider comparative and interdisciplinary aims of the project. Key tasks Lead research within WP4 on the identification and archaeological investigation of Palaeolithic shelters in East-Central Europe; Develop and implement strategies for identifying evidence of Palaeolithic shelter use in both newly investigated locations and previously excavated sites; Lead and participate in archaeological fieldwork, including survey, test excavations, recording, sampling, and other appropriate field methods; Work with local and international project partners to plan and direct execute field campaigns; Study and reassess legacy lithic collections, excavation plans, stratigraphic records, photographs, field notes, and other archival documentation from previously investigated Palaeolithic sites; Integrate legacy evidence with new archaeological, spatial, chronological, and environmental data; Assess lithic assemblages and their spatial and contextual characteristics in relation to questions of site formation, preservation, and shelter use; Develop and apply analytical approaches for distinguishing evidence of human activity from natural and post-depositional processes; Contribute to the development of a comparative dataset of Palaeolithic shelters across East-Central Europe; Collaborate with researchers working on geoarchaeology, geophysics, dating, zooarchaeology, and lithic technology within HOME; Contribute to the overall research objectives and intellectual development of the HOME project; Take responsibility for planning and delivering WP4 outputs within agreed project milestones; Publish research results in international peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences; Contribute to project meetings, workshops, public engagement, and other HOME activities; Where appropriate, contribute to the supervision and mentoring of students working on related research topics. Selection criteria We are looking for an ambitious and independent researcher with a strong background in Palaeolithic archaeology and demonstrated experience of archaeological research. The successful candidate will have: A PhD in Archaeology, Anthropology, Prehistory, or a closely related discipline; A strong research record in Palaeolithic archaeology, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and/or other substantial research outputs; Demonstrable experience with Palaeolithic lithic assemblages and archaeological site formation processes; Experience conducting archaeological fieldwork, preferably including excavation or survey in Palaeolithic contexts; Experience working with legacy archaeological collections and documentation, such as lithic collections, excavation plans, stratigraphic records, photographs, and field archives; The ability to critically assess archaeological evidence from incomplete, disturbed, or inconsistently documented contexts; Demonstrable ability to develop and pursue an independent research program while working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team; Strong organizational and project-management skills, including experience planning fieldwork and managing research activities; Proficiency in archaeological spatial recording, mapping, and planigraphic analysis Experience with GIS and/or quantitative spatial analysis. Willingness and ability to travel internationally and undertake extended periods of fieldwork in East-Central Europe; Excellent written and spoken English; Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with international academic and heritage partners; A full driving license is desirable; Knowledge of Romanian, Hungarian, Ukrainian or another relevant regional language is desirable, as is willingness to learn; We particularly welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate an ability to connect field archaeology, lithic analysis, and archaeological site formation processes, and who are interested in developing new approaches to recognizing and interpreting Palaeolithic shelter sites 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 the Faculty of Archaeology can be found at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/archaeology. We offer A stimulating international research environment within the Faculty of Archaeology at Leiden University; The opportunity to develop an independent research profile while working within a major ERC-funded research project; The opportunity to lead archaeological fieldwork and develop new approaches to the identification and interpretation of Palaeolithic shelters; Extensive opportunities for international collaboration and research travel; Access to the research infrastructure and interdisciplinary expertise of Leiden University and the HOME project; Training and career-development opportunities; Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. A salary of a minimum of €4422 and a maximum of €5760 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale 10 for post-doctoral researcher); A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP; For a 38-hour week you have 232 vacation hours per year. If you work part-time, your vacation credit is proportional to your contracted hours; Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription or bicycle scheme, and we also offer child-care options; A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop. More information about employment conditions at Leiden University can be found on the university website. Diversity Leiden University attaches great importance to diversity and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently under-represented in academia Information For more information about the content of this vacancy, please contact Dr Wei Chu, Principal Investigator of the HOME project, [[email protected]]. Apply You can apply via the 'Apply' button. The deadline for applications is Jan 5, 2027. The position must start by April 1, 2027, although an earlier start date may be possible by agreement. Applications must be submitted via SuccessFactors. Please attach the following documents stating the vacancy number: A motivation letter explaining your interest in the position and relevant research experience (maximum 2 pages); Curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications; A research statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining relevant experience and explaining how the candidate would approach the identification and investigation of potential Palaeolithic shelters; The names and contact details of two potential referees (actual recommendation letters are not required at this stage). Shortlisted candidates will initially be invited for an interview. Interviews may take place online or in person.

Core Responsibilities

Lead research in Work Package 4 to identify and investigate Palaeolithic shelters in East-Central Europe, combining fieldwork with reassessment of legacy collections and archival records. Integrate archaeological and spatial evidence, collaborate with interdisciplinary project partners, and deliver research outputs, publications, and presentations.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD in Archaeology, Anthropology, Prehistory, or a closely related discipline, with a strong research record and experience in Palaeolithic lithic assemblages, site formation, fieldwork, and legacy archaeological materials. They should demonstrate spatial recording and analysis skills, including GIS and/or quantitative spatial analysis, strong project-management and communication abilities, and willingness to travel and undertake extended fieldwork in East-Central Europe.

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance
• End-of-Year Bonus
• Pension Scheme
• Paid Vacation
• Sports Subscription
• Bicycle Scheme
• Childcare Options
• Home-Working Allowance
• Laptop
• Training and Career-Development Opportunities
• Potential Tax Break for Candidates from Outside the Netherlands