Postdoctoral researcher in sedimentary DNA analysis of human-wildlife relationships

Postdoctoral researcher in sedimentary DNA analysis of human-wildlife relationships
The Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher (4 years, 0.6 FTE) to join the ERC-funded project WILDERFARM and carry out cutting-edge research on human-wildlife relationships during the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition using sedimentary DNA analysis, and to assist in WILDERFARM’s public outreach, data management, and other laboratory work.

The position is part of the ERC-funded Starting Grant project WILDERFARM - ‘Where the wild things were: how the rise of farming changed human-wildlife relationships’. WILDERFARM explores the significant changes in human-wildlife relationships that occurred with the rise of farming in western Europe between 6000 and 2000 BCE. Using an interdisciplinary combination of methods, WILDERFARM examines how early farmers renegotiated the age-old relationship with wild animals and how the rise of farming and its activities, such as livestock grazing and crop husbandry, affected wildlife.

The WILDERFARM project is divided into four interconnected Work Packages (WP):

WP1: Identifying how human exploitation of wild animals changed over time.
WP2: Examining the overlap between farming activities and wildlife habitats.
WP3: Controlling for whether human-wildlife relationships were affected by environmental change.
WP4: Clarifying the nature and timing of the Neolithic transition based on changes in the human-wildlife relationship. Evaluating how the archaeology of human-wildlife relationships can contribute to conservation education in the present.

What you will do
The successful candidate will be responsible for the sub-project on sedaDNA, contributing to WP1-3. The postdoc will also contribute to other aspects of WILDERFARM, including playing a pivotal role in public outreach (WP4) and coordination of laboratory work and data management.

Key tasks:

• Collect samples for sedimentary DNA analyses from archaeological excavations from across the study region.
• Analyse sedaDNA data and build hypotheses on animal populations and human activity, testing the use of sedaDNA for reconstructing prehistoric human-wildlife relationships.
• Assist in coordinating WILDERFARM’s other laboratory work and data management.
• Contribute to WILDERFARM’s public outreach and overall aims.
• Publish several articles in peer-reviewed academic journals and present at (inter)national conferences, both independently and with team members.
• Work closely with other WILDERFARM team members and engage with the Faculty community through discussion meetings, journal clubs, and other events.

The successful candidate will join the Department of World Archaeology. Research will be supervised by Dr. Nathalie Brusgaard (PI), Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Archaeology. The postdoc will also work closely together with other members of the WILDERFARM project (two PhD students) and external collaborators.

Where you will work
The future of the past begins at Leiden University. The Faculty of Archaeology is internationally renowned for its research and teaching, offering a wide range of specializations, with a distinctive strength in the close connection between education and research. With over 700 students in the multidisciplinary field of archaeology and heritage studies, the faculty and its researchers from all branches of archaeology shape the future of the discipline. For more information about our university and our faculty, please visit: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/archaeology.

What you bring
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 PhD completed by the time of the appointment in (palaeo)genomics, archaeology, ecology, or related field, including demonstrable experience with DNA analysis.
• Demonstrable enthousiasm for archaeology and interdisciplinary research at the intersection of archaeology, ecology, and conservation biology.
• A creative and open mind who enjoys challenging work in a supportive environment.
• Excellent organisational skills. Experience with organising lab work is an advantage.
• Demonstrable enthousiasm for public outreach.
• 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);
• Availability to travel both within and outside the Netherlands. Having a driver’s license 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 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 our university and our faculty can be found at: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/archaeology

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!

What we offer
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. 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 offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of 4 years for 0.6 FTE, initially for a 1-year trial period, followed by an extension of 3 years, in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• The position will start in April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
• A salary of a minimum of €4075 and a maximum of €4412 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (pay-scale 10.3-10.5);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• 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 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.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden

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.

Want to apply or find out more?
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 n.o.brusgaard@arch.leidenuniv.nl. You can apply until January 12th 2026; applications will be processed immediately.

For other matters, please contact Human Resources HR@arch.leidenuniv.nl.

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions
Please attach the following additional 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)
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications
• A research plan (max 1 page excluding references)
• The names and addresses of two potential referees (no actual recommendation letters required at this stage).

The first round of interviews will be scheduled in late January. 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 (VOG)) 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. #LI-Hybrid