Helvoet Rubber & Plastic Technologies B.V. vacatures

The successful candidate will be responsible for the sub-project on zooarchaeology, contributing to WP1 & 2, and will also contribute to other aspects of WILDERFARM, including the other work packages. Your work will allow us to reconstruct hunting practices and interpret the interplay between wild and domestic animals.

• Collate an inventory of zooarchaeological data from the study region.
• Carry out stable isotope analysis to reconstruct wild and domestic animal diets.
• Analyse proteomics data to investigate the taphonomic effects on wild animal remains.
• Work closely with other WILDERFARM team members to integrate the zooarchaeological and biomolecular results with archaeobotanical and palaeogenomic results.
• Contribute to WILDERFARM’s public outreach, workshop, and overall aims.
• Publish several articles in peer-reviewed academic journals and present at (inter)national conferences, both independently and with team members.
• Produce a PhD dissertation based on the articles within a four-year timeframe;
• Engage with the Faculty community through discussion meetings, journal club, and Graduate School of Archaeology events.
• Follow PhD courses based on an individual training and supervision plan, including those offered by the Graduate School of Archaeology.

In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently but collaboratively. Every job is different, so in the beginning we will devote attention to your onboarding. If some of the work activities are new to you, we will look together at what you need, and draw up a development plan. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:

• A Master’s degree completed by the time of the appointment in archaeology, anthropology, (paleo)ecology, or related field.
• Either experience with zooarchaeology and a keen interest in biomolecular archaeology or experience with biomolecular analysis and a keen interest in zooarchaeology.
• Demonstrable interest in prehistoric archaeology and environmental archaeology. Interest in Mesolithic/Neolithic archaeology, agriculture, or biodiversity is considered an advantage.
• Ability to translate technical findings into the reconstruction of human-animal relationships.
• Research and writing skills demonstrated by a master’s thesis and/or publications;
• Ability to work in a team.
• Strong communication skills. Excellent command of English (command of Dutch is not required, but knowledge of one or more European languages is considered an advantage).

If you immediately recognise yourself in this profile, or if do you not quite meet all the requirements but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!

Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University’s challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.

We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between €3059 - €3881 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (PhD student);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone.

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 our university and our faculty can be found at: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/archaeology

What we find important

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Dr Nathalie Brusgaard at the email address provided. You can apply until May 3rd 2026; applications will be processed immediately.

Please attach the following documents, stating the job number above:

• Motivation letter, including your relevant interest and experience in the subject matter and in doing advanced research (max 2 pages)
• A writing sample (thesis or publication)
• The name and address of one referee (no actual recommendation letters required at this stage).

The first round of interviews will be scheduled late May/early June. Selected candidates will initially be invited for an online interview. We kindly request that you be available (online) during this period.

• We believe mobility is very important. That is why we are also publishing this vacancy internally. In case of equal suitability, we will give priority to the internal candidate.
• A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct) may be part of the selection procedure.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.

Title

PhD position in zooarchaeology of human-wildlife relationships

Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.