The successful candidate will be responsible for providing technical and organisational support to the laboratories run by the Bioarchaeology Research Group. While these include the laboratories for Osteoarchaeology, Archaeobotany and Archaezoology, their main task will be to support the Laboratory of Archaeobotany. Under supervision (of Dr. Michael Field) and in close collaboration with the scientific staff of these laboratories, the successful candidate will be in charge of the preparation and processing of samples for the study of pollen and spores, the curation and digitization of the reference collection of pollen, wood, and plant macrofossils, the purchase and distribution of supplies (for the Bioarchaeology Group as a whole), the implementation of laboratory safety protocols and procedures (particularly the Pollen preparation Room), including the handling, disposal, and stock taking of chemicals, as well as the inventorisation and maintenance of technical equipment, opening and closely of the Archaebotany Lab and keeping the Archaeobotany Lab bio-safety level 1 clean. They will furthermore assist in the safety training of students and the set -up of practical sessions for courses taught particularly in the Archaeobotany Lab.

The candidate should have a background in botany and be either experienced in a wide range of biochemical methodologies or eager to learn these techniques applied to bioarchaeological research.

The department is seeking to strengthen its technical support team by hiring a candidate with a strong technical background and a pragmatic hands-on attitude. The candidate must be a team player, flexible, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and able to manage their time efficiently and effectively. More specifically, candidates with the following qualifications are preferred:

• Degree in Biological/Medical/Chemical Laboratory Studies (MBO/HBO);
• Preferentially two years of experience in the operational management of a science laboratory;
• Excellent command of English and Dutch (CEFR level B2).

Academic qualifications in Archaeology are not required, but the successful candidate should be broadly interested in scientific approaches to the investigation of the human past.

We offer a full-time position (38 hrs per week) for one year, with the possibility of extension. Salary range from € 2.329,- to € 3.548,- gross per month (scale 7 or 8 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Salary scale depends on education, experience and level of appointment.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.