Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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PhD in Analysing and Mapping Strontium and Zinc in Cremations (Archaeological Isotope Geochemistry) Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Four-year PhD position funded by NWO. Salary is €3,204 gross per month in the first year, rising to a maximum of €4,051 gross per month in the fourth year for full-time employment. The contract is initially for 1 year and may be extended to a total of 4 years.
Deadline
Oct 31, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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About this position
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is offering a four-year PhD position in the project AMASZINC (Analysing and MApping Strontium and Zinc IN Cremations). The project focuses on archaeology, isotope geochemistry, and the analysis of cremated human and animal remains to reconstruct diet, mobility, and funerary practices in ancient populations.
The research combines laser ablation mapping with high-precision 87Sr/86Sr, δ88Sr, and zinc isotope analyses using TIMS and MC-ICP-MS. The project also aims to develop and test new approaches for studying cremated bone and pyre-related processes, including funerary rituals and pyre temperatures.
The work is based at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Department of Earth Sciences and the Isotope Geochemistry research group, with access to the NIGeL facility and its analytical infrastructure. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Prof. Christophe Snoeck at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Dr. Klervia Jaouen at Observatoire Midi Pyrénées/CNRS in Toulouse, offering opportunities for short research stays abroad.
Eligibility highlights: an MSc in Earth Sciences or Archaeological Sciences, strong motivation for archaeology, interest in analytical methods, and familiarity with Python or R are preferred. Excellent English and good social skills are expected. A driving licence is desirable.
Funding: the position is NWO-funded and includes a full-time salary starting at €3,204 gross/month, rising to €4,051 gross/month in year four. The contract is initially for one year and can be extended to four years in total.
Deadline: 31 October 2026. The starting date is 1 March 2027. Applications must be submitted via the vacancy page; email applications will not be considered.
Funding details
Four-year PhD position funded by NWO. Salary is €3,204 gross per month in the first year, rising to a maximum of €4,051 gross per month in the fourth year for full-time employment. The contract is initially for 1 year and may be extended to a total of 4 years.
What's required
Applicants should have an MSc in Earth Sciences or Archaeological Sciences. Strong scientific motivation and interest in archaeology are required. Hands-on experience with relevant analytical techniques is an advantage, as is affinity with numerical modelling using Python or R. Candidates should be willing to travel and work abroad for short periods, especially in Brussels and Toulouse. Excellent written and spoken English and good social skills are expected; a driving licence is desirable.
How to apply
Apply through the vacancy page on the VU Amsterdam website; applications by email will not be considered. Submit a cover letter, short CV, grade list, MSc thesis (or draft if unfinished), and names and contact details of two references. The process includes interviews and possible reference/background checks.
More information can be found here
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