PhD: Isotope Archaeology of Cremations (Sr/Zn)

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The AMASZINC PhD project at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a four-year research position combining isotope geochemistry, archaeology, and advanced analytical techniques to study cremated remains from Iron Age and Roman populations.

Starting March 1, 2027, the project collaborates with VUB (Brussels) and Observatoire Midi Pyrénées/CNRS (Toulouse). The successful candidate will work across institutions, developing new Sr and Zn methods and disseminating findings at major conferences.

Qualifications

• MSc in Earth Sciences or Archaeological Sciences.
• Excellent command of English, written and spoken.
• Willingness to travel, especially to Brussels and Toulouse.
• Hands-on experience with relevant analytical techniques is an advantage.
• Affinity with numerical modelling (Python, R).

Responsibilities

• Investigate mobility and dietary histories of Iron Age and Roman populations.
• Perform laser ablation mapping of cremated bone.
• Conduct high-precision 87Sr/86Sr and δ87Sr analyses using TIMS and MC-ICP-MS.
• Develop new approaches for Zn concentrations and isotope analysis of cremated bone.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.
• Publish research findings in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Complete a paper-based PhD thesis and defend it at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
• Participate in the training programme of the SENSE graduate school.

Skills

Analytical techniques

Numerical modelling

English communication

Teamwork

Education

MSc in Earth Sciences or Archaeological Sciences

Tools

Python

R

Job description

The AMASZINC PhD project at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a four-year research position combining isotope geochemistry, archaeology, and advanced analytical techniques to study cremated remains from Iron Age and Roman populations.

Starting March 1, 2027, the project collaborates with VUB (Brussels) and Observatoire Midi Pyrénées/CNRS (Toulouse). The successful candidate will work across institutions, developing new Sr and Zn methods and disseminating findings at major conferences.