Assistant Professor of Archaeobotany (1.0 FTE)

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has established an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative university offering high quality teaching and research. Its 34,000 students are encouraged to develop their individual talents through challenging study and career paths. The University of Groningen is an international centre of knowledge: it belongs to the best research universities in Europe, and is allied with prestigious partner universities and networks worldwide. For additional information, see this link:

https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/work-with-us/new-staff/

. The University of Groningen has a strong commitment to the principles and practices of diversity and inclusion throughout the University community and welcomes candidates who enhance that diversity.

The Faculty of Arts is building on a longstanding tradition of four centuries. Its mission is to be a top-ranking faculty with both an excellent education and world-quality research, with a strong international orientation, firmly rooted in the North of the Netherlands. We build and share knowledge benefits to society. We work at a modern, broad and international institution, educating over 5000 Dutch and international students to become forward-looking, articulate and independent academics. We are a hardworking and diverse team of 700 staff members.

The Groningen Institute of Archaeology (GIA) engages in fundamental archaeological research in Northwest Europe, the Mediterranean and the Polar Regions. GIA stimulates and integrates fundamental research on past human societies and their environments, from Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers to complex urban societies. The Institute facilitates research and fieldwork through its laboratories, drawing facilities, documentation, GIS, and technical support (see website: https://www.rug.nl/research/groningen-institute-of-archaeology/about-the-institute/ ). It teaches a general BA program followed by a 1-year societal or a 2-year research MA program.

This position is part of the research group on the archaeology of northwestern Europe, which consists of six tenured staff and about 15 post-doctoral researchers and PhD students. Similar to the zooarchaeological specialist in this group, the specialist in archaeobotany is expected to operate in the geographical areas where the institute is involved. We offer you a position that combines teaching and administration (45 %) with research (55 %).

You will be teaching courses on archaeobotany at a starters level (BA1), intermediate level (BA2, BA3) and advanced level (MA). You will also lecture on more general topics within archaeology, such as theory, anthropology or fieldwork methods. You will take part in the MA and Research Master Archaeology teaching programs including supervision of theses and tutorials, and committee membership.

You will be head and curator of our archaeobotanical lab, and line manager of its two laboratory assistants. The laboratory holds a renowned reference collection; especially in botanical macroremains (see https://www.plantatlas.eu/ ). We expect you to have a clear vision on the relevance of this collection for future teaching and research. We expect you to have a vision on the contribution of your specialism to the developing field of historical ecology. You will help strengthen the research profile of the Groningen Institute of Archaeology by developing new research ideas, collaborations and approaches. Your specialization is in archaeobotany, with an evident track record or research interest in northwest Europe. You will be expected to acquire (independently or jointly) new funding for this, and will co-supervise PhD students when appropriate.

• you are an internationally experienced researcher with an extensive academic network, who will take the initiative to strengthen GIA’s existing international research profile
• you have experience in teaching courses at university level
• you are engaging in innovative teaching methods such as active learning, and are willing to cooperate in teaching interdisciplinary courses
• you have a Master and PhD in Archaeology, with a specialisation in archaeobotany, preferably in macroremains, and at least one year of experience as a postdoctoral researcher
• you have research experience in the taxonomy, morphology and ecology of relevant plant species
• you have an excellent publication record for the stage of your career
• you have demonstrated the ability to acquire competitive funding
• you have experience as line manager of non-academic staff
• you bring a strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research and teaching duties
• you initiate and participate in GIA field projects
• you bring enthusiasm for outreach activities, such as communicating academic research to non-academic audiences
• you are able to teach courses in Dutch, or are willing to obtain the required language skills in two years
• you have relevant teaching qualifications (such as the Basiskwalificatie Onderwijs (BKO)/University Teaching Qualification (UTQ)), or are willing to acquire one
• you have a capacity and willingness to undertake organisational duties
• you have the ability to communicate and teach in English (CEFR C1 level for reading, listening, writing, speaking).

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a salary, depending on qualifications and work experience, with a minimum of € 4,332 (salary scale 11) to a maximum of € 6,737 (salary scale 12) gross per month for a full-time position
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
• participation in a pension scheme for employees.

Favorable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants. We offer 232 holiday hours per calendar year for full-time employment and provide career services for partners of new faculty members moving to Groningen.

The Faculty will consider only those applicants who are ready to move to Groningen and live in the near environment of Groningen within a period of two years.

We comply with the conditions of employment of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). For more detailed information about working conditions and working for the University of Groningen, please check: https://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/

The appointment will commence on 1 September 2024, and will be on a temporary basis for one year with an outlook to a permanent position when you meet the criteria.