Project Overview
About the Position
Leiden University invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher working on agent-based modelling of Pleistocene landscape connectivity in Europe. The project simulates how Pleistocene environments connected and disconnected habitats and populations across the continent, informing debate in palaeoanthropology, archaeology and palaeoclimate research.
The postdoc will design and implement agent-based models that couple reconstructions of Pleistocene climate, vegetation and topography with movement and subsistence behaviour, and will run systematic simulation experiments across glacial and interglacial conditions. Results feed into European research collaborations on human-environment dynamics in deep time.
Candidate Profile
Applicants hold a PhD in archaeology, palaeoecology, computational geography or a related discipline, with demonstrable experience in agent-based modelling, GIS and handling large palaeoenvironmental datasets. Strong programming skills are essential. The appointment is a salaried postdoctoral contract under the CAO-NU collective agreement, and the working language is English.
Highlights
- Agent-based modelling of Pleistocene landscapes
- Palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironment data integration
- Simulation experiments across glacial cycles
- GIS and spatial analysis in deep-time contexts
- Collaboration in European research networks
- Salaried postdoc under the CAO-NU agreement
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | Postdoctoral research position |
| Stipend / salary | Postdoc salary per the CAO-NU collective agreement, depending on experience |
| Duration | Two to three years (postdoc) |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | PhD in archaeology, palaeoecology, computational geography or a related field |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 6 November 2026 |
| Location | Leiden, Netherlands |
About Leiden University
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU). Its seven faculties in Leiden and The Hague cover humanities, law, social and behavioural sciences, medicine, science, archaeology and governance. Doctoral candidates at Leiden are salaried employees under the CAO-NU collective agreement rather than fee-paying students, which makes its PhD positions fully funded by design. All academic vacancies, including PhD and postdoctoral roles, are advertised on the university's dedicated careers portal.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 6 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 6 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter: Emails and Preparation
- SOP, Personal Statement or Research Proposal: What Each Document Does
Official Link
https://careers.universiteitleiden.nl/job/Post-doctoral-Researcher-Agent-Based-Modelling-of-Pleistocene-Landscape-Connectivity-in-Europe/16923-en_US
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for Post-doctoral Researcher: Agent-Based Modelling of Pleistocene Landscape Connectivity in Europe - Leiden University, Netherlands?
The application deadline is 7 November 2026 (6 November 2026). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Amsterdam time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Amsterdam but gives no clock time.
Is Post-doctoral Researcher: Agent-Based Modelling of Pleistocene Landscape Connectivity in Europe - Leiden University, Netherlands fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. Salary per CAO universities pay scales (typically €4,000–€6,000/month gross for postdocs).
Who is eligible to apply for Post-doctoral Researcher: Agent-Based Modelling of Pleistocene Landscape Connectivity in Europe - Leiden University, Netherlands?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by Leiden University.
How do I apply for Post-doctoral Researcher: Agent-Based Modelling of Pleistocene Landscape Connectivity in Europe - Leiden University, Netherlands?
Applications for Post-doctoral Researcher: Agent-Based Modelling of Pleistocene Landscape Connectivity in Europe - Leiden University, Netherlands are submitted directly to Leiden University through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for Post-doctoral Researcher: Agent-Based Modelling of Pleistocene Landscape Connectivity in Europe - Leiden University, Netherlands?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Netherlands are published by the provider.
What study level does Post-doctoral Researcher: Agent-Based Modelling of Pleistocene Landscape Connectivity in Europe - Leiden University, Netherlands offer?
This listing is offered at Postdoctoral level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
Leiden University
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU). Its seven faculties in Leiden and The Hague cover humanities, law, social and behavioural sciences, medicine, science, archaeology and governance. Doctoral candidates at Leiden are salaried employees under the CAO-NU collective agreement rather than fee-paying students, which makes its PhD positions fully funded by design. All academic vacancies, including PhD and postdoctoral roles, are advertised on the university's dedicated careers portal.
Visit Website View all programmes →