We are looking for a PhD-candidate to join  the project Finding resolution for the Middle to Later Stone Age transition in South Africa, sponsored by NWO (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research) with a Vidi grant.

The archaeological record of southern Africa is world-renowned and presents evidence spanning early hominins to the putative emergence of modern humans (Dusseldorp et al. 2013). A fundamental transition in this record is from the Middle Stone Age (MSA ~300 ka to ~30 ka) to the Later Stone Age (LSA). The chronology and causes of this transition are poorly understood. The transition takes place during the Late Pleistocene, when major global climatic re-organisations impacted southern African climates and ecologies. This project deals with the crucial question of if and how climatic developments correlated with technological changes and human adaptations (e.g. Ziegler et al. 2013; cf. Chase et al. 2017). Within the project, two rock shelters in eastern South Africa - Shongweni Caves and Umhlatuzana – will be investigated. The project focuses on: 1) changes in lithic technology and adaptation; 2) improved chronological control for this transition, and 3) environmental proxy data in direct stratigraphic/temporal relation to evidence for occupation.

The PhD is responsible for subproject (3), combining detailed analysis of site-formation processes with environmental proxies to derive a robust, multi-proxy occupational context.  The successful candidate will focus on the genesis of two sites using micromorphology. This study will develop new insights into the taphonomy of the sites’ deposits and their occupational histories.

The candidate’s responsibilities include:

• Conducting archaeological fieldwork with the project team
• (Micro)stratigraphic sampling of the excavation profiles
• Preparing micromorphological slides (periodical travel to Amersfoort required)
• Conduct micromorphological analysis, determining:
  • Degree of mixing between stratigraphic levels
  • Occupation intensity
  • Presence and character of anthropogenic features such as hearths and bedding
• Undertake chronological modelling
• Conduct bulk sampling and analysis of light stable isotopes (δ13C)
• Publish the results in peer-reviewed papers that will comprise the PhD-thesis

• A completed MA/MSc in Archaeology or Physical Geography/Geology/Geochemistry;
• Demonstrable affinity with taphonomic and/or palaeoenvironmental research;
• An excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written;
• Proficient in academic writing;
• A team player who can liaise independently with co-supervisors/collaborators across different institutions;
• Proficiency in micromorphological analysis;
• Demonstrable affinity with research into Pleistocene Archaeology of South Africa;
• Knowledge of the key principles underpinning the reconstruction of palaeoenvironments.

We offer a position for 38 hours per week. The appointment as a PhD student will be for a period of four years (initially for a period of one year with an extension of three years after positive evaluation of progress and skills development) leading to the successful completion of a PhD thesis. The appointment will be under the terms of the CAO (Collective Labour Agreement) of Dutch Universities. The gross monthly salary is set on €2,222 in the first year, increasing to €2,840 gross per month in the final year.

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.  

Training offered
The candidate will become highly proficient in micromorphology and will receive training from prof Hans Huisman (RCE, Groningen University). S/he will learn how to sample site profiles, prepare thin sections, use polarization microscopy and identify micromorphological features (e.g. sediments, deposition phases, ash deposits, sediment mixing). The candidate will join a large collaborative team working closely to “Finding resolution for the Middle to Later Stone Age transition”, providing a wide collaborative network to support the PhD and her/his career. The candidate will gain additional skills and competences concerning: 1) OSL and 14C dating and 2) light stable isotope analysis (e.g. δ13C) in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Carr; This varied application of methods in a wider project will provide a unique set of skills.

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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Faculty of Archaeology

The future of the past begins in Leiden. The Faculty of Archaeology is internationally leading for its research, home to a broad array of specializations and notable for the strong connection it fosters 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. Information about the Faculty of Archaeology can be found at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/archeologie.
Information on the advanced research qualification and research programmes of the Graduate School of Archaeology can be found on https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/archaeology/graduate-school-archaeology.

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