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Leiden University

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Postdoctoral Researcher in Agent-Based Modelling of Pleistocene Landscape Connectivity in Europe Leiden University in Netherlands

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Temporary postdoctoral appointment for up to 6 months at 0.7 to 1.0 FTE. Salary ranges from €4,422 to €5,760 gross per month based on full-time 38 hours (scale 10), plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, pension, vacation hours, home-working allowance, laptop, and possible hybrid working within the Netherlands.

Deadline

Nov 6, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Leiden University

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Keywords

Computer Science
Environmental Science
Biology
Geography
Spatial Analysis
Archaeology
Earth Science
Agent-based Modeling
Paleobiogeography

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About this position

Leiden University’s Faculty of Archaeology is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher for a project on agent-based modelling of Pleistocene landscape connectivity in Europe. The work sits in the Department of World Archaeology and is part of the NWO-VICI project Neandertal Legacy, led by Prof. dr. M.A. Soressi, with collaboration from Dr. E. Coco (University of Algarve, ICArEHB).

The project focuses on prehistoric human movement across Europe and adjacent regions during the Middle and Late Pleistocene. The successful candidate will adapt the Coco & Iovita (2025) movement model, build palaeoenvironmental and geospatial datasets, run simulations on Leiden University’s ALICE HPC cluster, and compare predicted corridors, bottlenecks, and barriers with archaeological evidence.

This is a research-intensive role for someone with a completed PhD in Archaeology, Geography, Geosciences, Ecology, Computer Science, or a related field. Strong experience in GIS, spatial analysis, large raster/vector datasets, and programming in R (preferred) or Python is expected. Experience with agent-based modelling or spatial simulation is an advantage.

The appointment is temporary for up to 6 months at 0.7–1.0 FTE. Salary is €4,422–€5,760 gross per month (full-time equivalent), plus holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, pension, vacation hours, and home-working support. Remote work is possible, with regular online contact with the project team.

Applications are accepted until 6 November 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit a motivation letter with a brief work plan, a CV with publications, and the names and addresses of two referees.

Funding details

Temporary postdoctoral appointment for up to 6 months at 0.7 to 1.0 FTE. Salary ranges from €4,422 to €5,760 gross per month based on full-time 38 hours (scale 10), plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, pension, vacation hours, home-working allowance, laptop, and possible hybrid working within the Netherlands.

What's required

PhD degree completed by the time of appointment in Archaeology, Geography, Geosciences, Ecology, Computer Science, or a related discipline; experience with GIS, spatial analysis, and processing large raster and vector geospatial datasets; programming experience in R (preferred), or Python or another language suitable for spatial analysis and simulation; experience with agent-based modelling or spatial simulation is an advantage; ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and deliver milestones within a short-term appointment; excellent written and spoken English and strong communication skills.

How to apply

Apply via the application button on the Leiden University careers page. Attach a motivation letter with relevant experience and a brief work plan, a CV with publications, and the names and addresses of two referees. For questions about the job, contact Prof. dr. M.A. Soressi by email.

More information can be found here

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