Assistant Professor in Computational Archaeology
The Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University is seeking to fill a position for a full time (1.0 FTE), permanent Assistant Professor in Computational Archaeology (UD2) within the Department of Archaeological Sciences.
What you will do
- This position is intended to further strengthen our dynamic Archaeological Sciences team.
- Develop own research line in computational archaeology that complements existing research in the Archaeological Sciences Department and the Faculty of Archaeology as well as university-wide research programs (e.g., SAILS).
- Teach both general and specific courses at the bachelor and masters level.
- Supervise student internship and thesis projects.
- Participate in faculty and university management and administrative tasks.
- Contribute to the overall aims and goals of the department and faculty.
Where you will work
Our faculty
The future of the past begins at Leiden University. The Faculty of Archaeology is internationally leading for its research, home to a broad array of specializations and notable for its strong connection between teaching and research. Home to over 700 students in the multidisciplinary world of Archaeology, the Faculty, and its researchers from all areas of the archaeological field, determine the future of archaeological research. More information about our university and our faculty can be found at: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/archaeology
The Department of Archaeological Sciences is one of three departments (with World Archaeology and Archaeological Heritage & Society) within the Faculty of Archaeology. The department comprises twelve permanent academic staff five support staff and dozens of temporary research staff (PhDs and Postdoctoral researchers), and hosts numerous world class laboratories. The department has a wide range of expertise in various archaeological science fields such as Bioarchaeology, Material Culture Studies, and Digital/Computational Archaeology.
What you bring (selection criteria)
In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently. Every job is different, so in the beginning we will devote attention to your onboarding. If some of the work activities are new to you, we will look together at what you need, and draw up a development plan. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:
- PhD in Archaeology or in Computer Science/Data Science with extensive, demonstrated experience in the other field, or in a closely related field with similar focus
- At least two years of relevant research experience beyond the PhD project, ideally developing own research line, and preferably with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research
- Demonstrated skills and experience in at least two of the following fields, as applied to archaeological research problems:
- Quantitative data analysis
- GIS and spatial analysis
- Data science, data mining, and information retrieval (multi-modal)
- Machine learning, deep learning and artificial intelligence
- (Initial) Experience in grant acquisition and collaborative scholarly publishing
- (Initial) Teaching experience in higher education (UTQ/BKO or equivalent)
- Interest in developing research collaborations across departments
- Dedication to principles and practice of Open/Team Science
- Excellent English & Dutch language skills and the capacity to teach in both languages
- Good national/international network
- Demonstrated commitment to teamwork, ethical practice, and social safety
- Ability to supervise a wide range of student research topics
If you immediately recognise yourself in this profile, or if do you not quite meet all the requirements, but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!
What we offer
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.
You can count on an enjoyable yet challenging job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just minutes away from Leiden’s lively city centre. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.
We also offer:
- An employment contract for the duration of one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
- A salary of a minimum of € 4537,- and a maximum of € 6209,- gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale 11); depending on the number of years since obtaining the PhD and the years of relevant work experience.
- A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
- Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
- Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription or bicycle scheme, and we also offer child-care options;
- If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
- A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone. (If applicable for the position)
For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden
What we find important
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.
Information
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.
If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Dr. Jason E. Laffoon, Head of Department of Archaeological Sciences, at [email protected]
For practical questions please mail to [email protected].
You can apply until [5 September, 2025]; applications will be processed immediately.
To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden
Apply
Please attach the following additional documents as one PDF file, stating the job number above:
- Motivation letter, including your relevant interest and experience in the subject matter and in doing advanced research (max 1 page)
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications
- A writing sample (postgraduate thesis or publication)
- The names and email addresses of two potential referees (no actual recommendation letters required at this stage).
The first round of interviews should be scheduled in October. Selected candidates will initially be invited for an online interview. We kindly request that you be available (online) during this period. A second round of (in person) interviews will take place in November.
- A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG) may be part of the selection procedure.
- Proof of language skills (for non-native speakers) may be requested as part of the selection procedure
- The selection procedure will include a research proposal and a test lecture
- Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.
