PhD: Analysing and Mapping strontium and zinc in cremations (AMASZINC) 0.8 / 1 Faculty of Science PhD MSc Closes on 31-10-2026 Publishing date 15-09-2026 Do you want to work with archaeological materi

PhD: Analysing and Mapping strontium and zinc in cremations (AMASZINC) PhD: Analysing and Mapping strontium and zinc in cremations (AMASZINC)

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Onderzoeksgebouw VU

0.8 / 1

PhD

Closes on

31-10-2026

Amsterdam

Faculty of Science

MSc

Publishing date

15-09-2026

PhD: Analysing and Mapping strontium and zinc in cremations (AMASZINC)

Onderzoeksgebouw VU

Amsterdam

0.8 / 1

Faculty of Science

PhD

MSc

Closes on

31-10-2026

Publishing date

15-09-2026

Do you want to work with archaeological material and advanced analytical techniques in an interdisciplinary research environment? And research funerary rituals and pyre temperatures from cremated bones?

Your function

Starting date: March 1, 2027

We offer a four-year PhD position within the NWO-funded AMASZINC (Analysing and MApping Strontium and Zinc IN Cremations to reconstruct diet, mobility, and funerary practices of ancient human and animal populations) project, which aims to develop new ways of studying mobility, diet, and funerary practices from cremated human and animal remains. The project combines cutting-edge laser ablation techniques with Sr and Zn concentration and isotope ratio analysis to unlock information preserved in burnt bone. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Prof. Christophe Snoeck at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Dr. Klervia Jaouen at Observatoire Midi Pyrénées/CNRS, Toulouse, France, offering opportunities to work across institutions and research fields.

Your duties

investigating mobility and dietary histories as well as funerary practices of Iron Age and Roman populations from the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, and Portugal

performing laser ablation mapping of cremated bone

conducting high-precision ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and δ⁸⁸Sr analyses using TIMS and MC- ICP-MS

developing and testing new approaches for Zn concentrations and isotope ratio analysis of cremated bone

presenting findings at national and international scientific conferences

publishing research findings in international peer-reviewed journals

completing a paper-based PhD thesis and defending it at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

participating in the training programme of the SENSE graduate school

Your profile

degree in MSc in Earth Sciences or Archaeological Sciences

strong scientific motivation and interest in archaeology

hands-on experience with relevant analytical techniques is an advantage

affinity with numerical modelling (Python, R)

readiness to travel and work abroad for short periods of time (especially in Brussels and Toulouse)

driving license is desirable

excellent ability to communicate in both written and spoken English

good social skills

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

a salary of € 3.204,00 (PhD) and maximum € 4.051,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment

an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

a full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata

8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus

contribution to commuting expenses

optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

group insured for partial disability with employer contribution of 50% of the premium

About us

Project and research group The AMASZINC project will be carried out within our multi-disciplinary Isotope Geochemistry research group addressing a wide range of scientific fields, including geochemistry, planetary science, archaeology, environmental science, and forensic research. The NIGeL facility (https: // nigel.amsterdam/) is unique in the Netherlands with 2 TIMS, 2 MC-ICP-MS, 1 ICP-MS and 1 ICP-OES instruments and two laser systems for in situ analyses. A new metal free clean laboratory is to be installed within new VO Research Building.

Department of Earth Sciences The Department of Earth Sciences offers a broad and interdisciplinary research environment, with strong expertise in isotope geochemistry, environmental sciences, archaeology and forensic science. The department has state-of-the- art laboratory facilities, including the Netherlands Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory and the Stable Isotope Laboratory. Our researchers work across disciplines and collaborate on a wide range of research questions, from understanding Earth processes to addressing questions relevant to society. The department's research facilities are regarded as outstanding, while the department's international focus fosters national and international collaboration generating high-quality research. The Department furthermore offers an Earth Sciences BSc and a MSc teaching programme.

Faculty of Science Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications should include:

cover letter with motivation (maximum 1 page)

short CV (maximum 1 page)

grade list (of all finalized courses)

MSc thesis (for those who have not finished their degree, this could be a draft version)

names and contact details of two references

A first round of (Teams) interviews will be scheduled early November. A second round of interviews will take place October/November on site (travel costs will be reimbursed) or online depending on logistical feasibility.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Your function

Starting date: March 1, 2027

We offer a four-year PhD position within the NWO-funded AMASZINC (Analysing and MApping Strontium and Zinc IN Cremations to reconstruct diet, mobility, and funerary practices of ancient human and animal populations) project, which aims to develop new ways of studying mobility, diet, and funerary practices from cremated human and animal remains. The project combines cutting-edge laser ablation techniques with Sr and Zn concentration and isotope ratio analysis to unlock information preserved in burnt bone. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Prof. Christophe Snoeck at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Dr. Klervia Jaouen at Observatoire Midi Pyrénées/CNRS, Toulouse, France, offering opportunities to work across institutions and research fields.

Your duties

investigating mobility and dietary histories as well as funerary practices of Iron Age and Roman populations from the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, and Portugal

performing laser ablation mapping of cremated bone

conducting high-precision ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and δ⁸⁸Sr analyses using TIMS and MC- ICP-MS

developing and testing new approaches for Zn concentrations and isotope ratio analysis of cremated bone

presenting findings at national and international scientific conferences

publishing research findings in international peer-reviewed journals

completing a paper-based PhD thesis and defending it at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

participating in the training programme of the SENSE graduate school

Your profile

degree in MSc in Earth Sciences or Archaeological Sciences

strong scientific motivation and interest in archaeology

hands-on experience with relevant analytical techniques is an advantage

affinity with numerical modelling (Python, R)

readiness to travel and work abroad for short periods of time (especially in Brussels and Toulouse)

driving license is desirable

excellent ability to communicate in both written and spoken English

good social skills

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

a salary of € 3.204,00 (PhD) and maximum € 4.051,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment

an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

a full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata

8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus

contribution to commuting expenses

optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

group insured for partial disability with employer contribution of 50% of the premium

About us

Project and research group The AMASZINC project will be carried out within our multi-disciplinary Isotope Geochemistry research group addressing a wide range of scientific fields, including geochemistry, planetary science, archaeology, environmental science, and forensic research. The NIGeL facility (https: // nigel.amsterdam/) is unique in the Netherlands with 2 TIMS, 2 MC-ICP-MS, 1 ICP-MS and 1 ICP-OES instruments and two laser systems for in situ analyses. A new metal free clean laboratory is to be installed within new VO Research Building.

Department of Earth Sciences The Department of Earth Sciences offers a broad and interdisciplinary research environment, with strong expertise in isotope geochemistry, environmental sciences, archaeology and forensic science. The department has state-of-the- art laboratory facilities, including the Netherlands Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory and the Stable Isotope Laboratory. Our researchers work across disciplines and collaborate on a wide range of research questions, from understanding Earth processes to addressing questions relevant to society. The department's research facilities are regarded as outstanding, while the department's international focus fosters national and international collaboration generating high-quality research. The Department furthermore offers an Earth Sciences BSc and a MSc teaching programme.

Faculty of Science Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Questions about the vacancy?

Please contact

Dr. Lisette Kootker

Assistant professor/PI

Send an email

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications should include:

cover letter with motivation (maximum 1 page)

short CV (maximum 1 page)

grade list (of all finalized courses)

MSc thesis (for those who have not finished their degree, this could be a draft version)

names and contact details of two references

A first round of (Teams) interviews will be scheduled early November. A second round of interviews will take place October/November on site (travel costs will be reimbursed) or online depending on logistical feasibility.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Questions about the vacancy?

Please contact

Dr. Lisette Kootker

Assistant professor/PI

Send an email

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