The successful candidate will carry out material culture analysis of one or more artifact assemblages from the Paleo- (ca. 2500 BC to AD 1400) and Neo-Inuit (ca. AD 1250 to present) archaeological sites in Arctic Canada. This position will be expected to spend a significant amount of time at museums in the Ottawa area of Canada examining a wide variety of artifact types (household, hunting, and ornamental) composed of an array of raw materials (ivory, antler, bone, baleen, wood, and a variety of minerals and metals). In collaboration with the supervisor(s), the PhD student will devise appropriate research questions that will guide the analysis.

Potential research themes may include, but are not limited to, inter- and intra-cultural exchange; materiality and social identity; and artisanship and symbolism.

There is potential for expanding the research to include ethnoarchaeologcal fieldwork in Nunavut, Canada.

Qualification for this position include:

  • A master's degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field, with an excellent academic record;
  • Proven research abilities and close affinity with the research topic;
  • Willingness to conduct fieldwork and collections-based research in the Netherlands and outside Europe; and
  • Excellent command of English and proven academic writing skills.

Application should include:

  • A cover letter with a self-introduction, describing the motivation and suitability for PhD research, and explaining how the planned research will be integrated with the Groningen Institute of Archaeology;
  • A full curriculum vitae, including publications and presentations (if applicable), and a copy of the data page of the applicant’s passport;
  • A certified copy or scan of your Master’s diploma (or equivalent) and academic record;
  • A research proposal, focusing on the central research question to be addressed and the proposed method of approaching and answering this question (circa 2000 words, plus tables and references, a project title, and a timeline through to completion); and
  • Names and contact details of two academic references.

For more information, read full position description. For questions, please contact Sean Desjardins.