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PhD Position in Critical Heritage Practices: Archaeobotanical Collections - Job Opportunity at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Groningen, Netherlands
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: August 8, 2025
On-site
EUR 3,059 - 3,881 per month

Benefits

Comprehensive financial package with competitive doctoral salary scale including 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus, positioning candidates favorably within European academic compensation standards
Robust pension scheme participation providing long-term financial security uncommon in many doctoral programs globally
Favorable tax agreements for international applicants, significantly enhancing net income and making the Netherlands an attractive destination for global talent
Structured four-year doctoral program with initial twelve-month probationary period, providing clear timeline and milestone-based progression
Integrated teaching opportunities (0.4 FTE) across years 2-4, delivering valuable pedagogical experience that enhances academic career prospects
Access to world-class research facilities and archaeobotanical collections, providing unique research opportunities unavailable at most institutions
Comprehensive career services for partners of new faculty members, demonstrating institutional commitment to work-life balance and family support

Key Responsibilities

Lead groundbreaking interdisciplinary research that challenges established heritage narratives and contributes to the emerging field of critical heritage studies, positioning yourself at the forefront of academic discourse on decolonization and ethical stewardship
Develop innovative methodologies that center community-led and ethical approaches to curation, preservation, and interpretation, creating frameworks that could influence heritage management practices globally
Conduct comprehensive critical analysis of archaeobotanical collections from diverse countries, addressing complex issues of ownership, colonial legacies, and potential restitution that have significant implications for international heritage policy
Design and implement responsible management frameworks for collection curation, accessibility, and community engagement, establishing best practices that could be adopted by institutions worldwide
Actively contribute to the vibrant academic community at the Groningen Institute of Archaeology through participation in events, seminars, and collaborative research initiatives that enhance institutional reputation
Organize and execute outreach activities that bridge academic research with public engagement, demonstrating the societal relevance of critical heritage studies and building institutional connections with diverse communities
Deliver high-quality undergraduate and graduate instruction across multiple years, developing pedagogical expertise while contributing to the faculty's educational mission and training the next generation of heritage practitioners

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in a relevant humanities or social science discipline (e.g., Cultural Studies, Heritage Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, Archaeology)

Experience

Training and experience conducting social-scientific fieldwork (quantitative and/or qualitative research methods)

Required Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills An excellent command of written and spoken English Good academic writing skills Familiarity with collections, more specifically bioarchaeological or museal collections Experience with dealing with difficult (incomplete/demanding) datasets Capacity to convincingly connect concepts and theory to tangible heritage General knowledge of (bio)archaeological subdisciplines Previous work on cultural heritage and/or public archaeology
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The heritage and museum studies sector is experiencing a profound transformation driven by decolonization movements and calls for repatriation of cultural artifacts, creating unprecedented demand for professionals skilled in critical heritage practices and ethical stewardship. This shift is reshaping institutional policies worldwide, with universities and museums actively seeking expertise in navigating complex ownership questions and developing community-centered approaches to collection management. Digital humanities and environmental humanities are rapidly emerging as interdisciplinary powerhouses, combining traditional heritage studies with technological innovation and ecological perspectives. This convergence is creating new career pathways and research opportunities, particularly for scholars who can bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications in collection management and community engagement. The 'Third Science Revolution' in archaeology, characterized by advanced scientific methodologies and bioarchaeological analysis, is generating exponentially more data and research interest in previously understudied materials like archaeobotanical remains. This technological advancement is creating new research possibilities while simultaneously raising ethical questions about data ownership and community involvement in scientific interpretation.

Salary Evaluation

The provided salary of EUR 3,059 - 3,881 per month (approximately USD 39,000 - 49,500 annually) represents competitive compensation for European doctoral positions, particularly when considering the comprehensive benefits package and Dutch tax advantages for international candidates. This positions the role favorably compared to UK and US doctoral stipends, especially given the structured four-year timeline and integrated teaching experience.

Role Significance

The candidate will likely work within a collaborative environment involving 3-5 core faculty advisors, multiple postdoctoral researchers, and extensive networks of community partners and international collaborators, while maintaining primary ownership of their research direction and methodology development.
This represents a high-impact entry-level academic position with significant autonomy and research leadership potential. Unlike traditional doctoral positions, this role combines independent research with institutional policy development and community engagement, providing unusual responsibility and visibility for an early-career academic.

Key Projects

Development of comprehensive ethical frameworks for university collection management that could serve as models for institutions globally Community engagement initiatives that establish new partnerships between academic institutions and indigenous or local communities affected by colonial collection practices Interdisciplinary research projects combining critical heritage theory with scientific analysis of bioarchaeological materials Policy development work addressing repatriation, restitution, and responsible stewardship practices in academic settings

Success Factors

Ability to navigate complex cultural sensitivities and power dynamics while building authentic relationships with diverse community stakeholders, requiring exceptional emotional intelligence and cultural competency Strong theoretical grounding in critical heritage studies combined with practical skills in collection management, data analysis, and community engagement methodologies Excellent communication skills capable of translating complex academic concepts for diverse audiences, from community members to institutional administrators and international policy makers Demonstrated commitment to ethical research practices and social justice principles, with ability to challenge existing institutional structures while building collaborative relationships Interdisciplinary thinking that can connect heritage studies with broader social, environmental, and technological developments in ways that generate innovative research approaches

Market Demand

High demand driven by institutional pressure for decolonization initiatives, growing recognition of heritage justice issues, and the need for professionals capable of navigating complex ethical and legal challenges in collection management across European and international institutions.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are absolutely essential given the community-centered nature of the research and the need to build trust with diverse stakeholders who may have complex relationships with academic institutions. These skills directly impact the success of community engagement initiatives and the ethical validity of the research approach. Strong analytical and methodological skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods are crucial for handling complex, incomplete datasets while developing new frameworks for collection analysis. The ability to work with challenging data directly affects the research's contribution to both academic knowledge and practical collection management. Cultural competency and sensitivity are critical for navigating the complex power dynamics inherent in heritage research, particularly when addressing colonial legacies and potential restitution issues. These skills are fundamental to conducting ethical research that respects community perspectives and contributes to heritage justice.

Beneficial Skills

Familiarity with digital humanities tools and methodologies would enhance the candidate's ability to develop innovative approaches to collection documentation, analysis, and public engagement, particularly given the growing importance of digital platforms in heritage work Background in policy analysis or institutional change management would strengthen the candidate's ability to translate research findings into practical institutional reforms and contribute to broader policy discussions around heritage ethics Experience with grant writing and project management would be valuable given the interdisciplinary nature of the work and potential opportunities for securing additional funding for community engagement initiatives or international collaboration projects

Unique Aspects

This position offers unprecedented access to diverse archaeobotanical collections from multiple countries, providing a unique laboratory for developing and testing new approaches to ethical collection management and community engagement
The role combines cutting-edge academic research with real-world policy implications, as frameworks developed could influence international heritage management practices and institutional policies across Europe and beyond
Unlike traditional doctoral positions, this role explicitly encourages candidates to shape their research direction based on their expertise and interests, providing unusual flexibility and ownership over the research trajectory
The position sits at the intersection of multiple rapidly evolving fields - critical heritage studies, environmental humanities, digital humanities, and bioarchaeology - offering exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary innovation and career development

Career Growth

Typical progression to postdoctoral or permanent positions within 1-2 years post-graduation, with strong potential for accelerated career advancement given the high demand for expertise in critical heritage practices and the unique combination of theoretical and practical skills developed in this role.

Potential Next Roles

Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions at leading European or North American institutions focusing on critical heritage studies, decolonization practices, or environmental humanities Museum Curator or Collections Manager roles at major institutions seeking expertise in ethical collection management and community engagement Academic faculty positions in Heritage Studies, Anthropology, or related fields, with strong positioning for tenure-track appointments given the interdisciplinary nature and policy relevance of the research Policy advisor or consultant roles with international organizations like UNESCO, ICOM, or government heritage agencies addressing repatriation and ethical stewardship issues

Company Overview

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

The University of Groningen stands as one of Europe's most prestigious research institutions, founded in 1614 and consistently ranking among the top 100 universities globally. With 34,000 students and extensive international partnerships, it represents a powerhouse in European higher education, particularly strong in humanities and social sciences research that addresses contemporary global challenges.

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen holds exceptional market position as a leading research university with particular strength in interdisciplinary studies and international collaboration. The institution's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and socially relevant research aligns perfectly with current academic trends toward engaged scholarship and community-centered research practices.
Located in the vibrant city of Groningen in the Netherlands, the university serves as a major cultural and intellectual hub in Northern Europe. The Netherlands' progressive policies on international education, research funding, and cultural heritage make it an ideal location for groundbreaking work in critical heritage studies, with strong government support for decolonization initiatives and international collaboration.
The university promotes a collaborative, internationally-oriented work environment that values diversity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. The institutional commitment to inclusion and equality, combined with comprehensive support services for international staff and their families, creates an exceptionally supportive environment for innovative research that challenges traditional academic boundaries.
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