PhD: Analysing and Mapping Strontium and Zinc in Cremations (AMASZINC)
Join an interdisciplinary project to reconstruct ancient diet, mobility, and funerary practices using advanced isotope geochemistry.
Best for:Best for candidates with a background in Earth or Archaeological Sciences and an interest in isotope geochemistry and analytical techniques.
Overview
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is seeking a PhD candidate for the NWO-funded AMASZINC project, which investigates ancient human and animal populations through cremated remains. The research focuses on developing innovative methods to analyze mobility, diet, and funerary rituals by combining laser ablation techniques with strontium and zinc isotope analysis. The successful candidate will work within a multi-disciplinary team, collaborating with researchers at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the Observatoire Midi Pyrénées/CNRS. The position involves high-precision laboratory work, data analysis, and the preparation of a paper-based thesis. Applicants will also participate in the SENSE graduate school training programme.
What you'll do
- Investigate mobility, dietary histories, and funerary practices of Iron Age and Roman populations.
- Perform laser ablation mapping on cremated bone samples.
- Conduct high-precision 87Sr/86Sr and δ88Sr analyses using TIMS and MC-ICP-MS.
- Develop and validate new methodologies for zinc concentration and isotope ratio analysis.
- Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed international journals.
- Complete and defend a paper-based PhD thesis.
- Participate in the SENSE graduate school training programme.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc in Earth Sciences or Archaeological Sciences
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English (excellent proficiency required)
Instruction: English
- Strong scientific motivation and interest in archaeology
- Affinity with numerical modelling using Python or R
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English
- Good social and collaborative skills
- Readiness to travel and work abroad for short periods, particularly in Brussels and Toulouse
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official university portal. Ensure all required documentation is prepared according to the university's guidelines.
- CV
- Cover letter
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