Project description

The PhD-candidate for this position will develop dynamic models for understanding human-environment interactions during early landscape changes in Europe, focusing on crucial transitions in five regions (Terra Nova Field Laboratories). The research will focus on the influence of human-induced fire ecologies, and more particularly the intentional use of fire as a landscaping tool, during the earliest energy regimes covering the human ecosystems of Late Pleistocene and Holocene hunter-gatherers and (the transition to) the earliest farming communities. Specific attention will be paid to the impact of human activities and fire ecologies on vegetation cover, wildlife and human livelihood (including mobility) at different spatial and temporal scales, from local habitats to the scale of biomes, and from short-term effects to long-term changes covering millennia.

As a PhD-candidate you will combine archaeological datasets with populations models, palaeogeographical models (soils, water systems and land cover) and models of climate change, in order to reconstruct the impact of early human land use systems on the natural environment and the long-term development of human niche construction during the earliest human energy regimes. Use will be made of different methods for geospatial analysis, dynamic modelling and –where possible- agent-based modelling (ABM).

This PhD project will be jointly supervised by three supervisors. Secondments will take place to the University of Uppsala and other research institutes in Europe. 

Key responsibilities

• analyse archaeological and environmental data;
• conduct geospatial analysis and agent-based modelling;
• publish scientific papers and deliver synthesis;
• interact and collaborate with other PhD students in the project;
• interpret data and models in terms of land use histories and their impact on landscape and environment.

• a Master’s degree (MA/MSc) or equivalent in Archaeology, Geography, Ecology or related fields;
• not have resided in the The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date (and not have carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in The Netherlands, unless as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention1);
• considered to be an early stage researcher at the date of recruitment, i.e. in the first four years of your research career and not have a doctoral degree;
• be able to undertake transnational mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment;
• previous experience in working with Geographical Information Systems and Geospatial modelling;
• interdisciplinary skills and strong interest in environmental issues, land-use history, and (historical) ecology;
• experience in working with archaeological datasets is an advantage;
• good command of English is required.

• A challenging position in a socially involved organisation. During the first three years, the salary will be covered via the Marie Curie Project allowances.
• Be part of a team of leading scientists in different fields of academia and commerce (science, landscape management, modelling and imaging techniques).
• Prestigious EU fellowship.
• Develop multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research skills.
• Excellent training programme covering human-environment interaction, landscape histories, reconstruction, and management, energy regimes and spatial planning, among others.
• Establish a professional network in academia, business organizations and NGO’s.
• Internships and visits to different disciplinary institutes within industry and academia.

Successful applicants will be invited to take up their position on 1 October 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter. The appointment will initially be for 12 months and if evaluated positively, with an extension of 3 years and must lead to the completion of a PhD thesis. Salary range from €2,325 to €2,972 gross per month (pay scale P, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities) based on a full-time appointment.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. 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. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.  

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

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