M. Françozo

The PhD project is based in the Department of Archaeological Heritage and Society at Leiden University’s Faculty of Archaeology and forms part of the NWO-funded VICI project Making History in Indigenous South America (1500–2025): A Multi-Method Approach . The position focuses on Mapuche histories within the broader project, which brings together historical research, museum collections, material culture analysis, and collaboration with Indigenous communities in Brazil and Chile. The doctoral research will contribute to an interdisciplinary, community-engaged study of colonial encounters, Indigenous agency, resilience, and continuity over time. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and research team, developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with Mapuche communities and partners in Chile. The project includes building an inventory of Mapuche objects held in European museum collections and selecting materials most relevant to the research in collaboration with community partners. Research activities will involve visits to museums and archives as well as fieldwork in Europe and Chile. The student will also contribute to project-wide research, workshops, academic and public dissemination, and regular life in the faculty, department, and Graduate School of Archaeology. The PhD is embedded in an internationally oriented research environment at Leiden University, where archaeology, heritage, and museum-based research are closely connected. The advert particularly encourages applications from Indigenous candidates and members of other underrepresented communities.