Postdoctoral Research position in Geoarchaeology, Geochemistry, or Ceramic Petrography

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Postdoctoral Research position in Geoarchaeology, Geochemistry, or Ceramic Petrography

• Our goal: Advance scientific understanding of the earliest known roofing tile tradition in mainland Greece through interdisciplinary archaeological science.
• Your colleagues: You will work closely with the Principal Investigator and colleagues within the Maastricht Science Programme, embedded in an interdisciplinary and international academic community.

Maastricht Science Programme (MSP) at the Faculty of Science and Engineering is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in geoarchaeology, geochemistry, or ceramic petrography. In this role, you will contribute to a research project examining the earliest known roofing tile tradition by leading the scientific study of mainland Greece’s Early Helladic (EH, ca. 3100–2000 BCE) “schist” or ceramic roofing tiles. Your work will focus on identifying the precise materials used in the production of one or both tile types and the most likely natural sources (e.g., quarries, etc.) for these materials. 

What you will do:

• Focus on one or both types of EH roofing tiles (schist or ceramic):
  ◦    If schist: identify the types of stones used for the tiles and potential quarry sites.
  ◦    If ceramic: reconstruct clay paste recipes and identify potential clay and mineral temper quarries/sources.
• Conduct relevant field and laboratory work in Maastricht and Greece.
• Apply for necessary permits to study relevant archaeological material.
• Collaborate with the PI to interpret and publish the results.
• Publish research in a timely manner, preferably Open Access.
• Tutor courses in archaeology, research skills, and possibly chemistry or earth sciences and other miscellaneous educational tasks.

This is an 18-month position with the possibility to extend to 24 months if the candidate is qualified to tutor introductory chemistry courses. 

Are you eager to help prepare the next generation of broadly trained academics of the future? Then we would love to meet you.

What you bring
It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about who you are and what you bring. Does this sound like you?

• Academic expertise: You hold a PhD in archaeology, geoarchaeology, geology, geochemistry, or a related field by the start of the appointment.
• Scientific curiosity: You focus on one or both EH roofing tile types and enjoy reconstructing material choices, production techniques, and source areas.
• Laboratory and field experience: You have hands-on experience with analytical techniques relevant to stone, ceramic, or geochemical research.
• Research mindset: You demonstrate the ability to complete research projects in a timely manner and to translate results into publishable outputs.
• Strong communication skills: You have an excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Collaborative attitude: You enjoy interdisciplinary work and are motivated to help secure additional funding for research and teaching activities.

What we offer

At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

• An 18-month contract with the prospect of a 6-month extension if the candidate is qualified to tutor courses in chemistry.
• A salary ranging from €4728,00 to €6433,00 gross per month (full-time, 38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off, and the option to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
• Freedom and space to shape your research independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit academic community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension scheme via ABP, company fitness options, and access to university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.

About the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE)
FSE is a young, rapidly growing faculty where science, technology, and society converge. We combine STEM and social sciences in innovative programmes such as Data Science for Decision Making, Systems Biology and Bioinformatics. Our research and education are interdisciplinary, practice-oriented, and socially relevant. We take pride in our open culture and strong team spirit.

Maastricht Science Programme
MSP together with University College Maastricht and University College Venlo form the Maastricht School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, covering the full breath of academic disciplines and offering the Liberal Arts & Sciences bachelor programme at UM. MSP focuses on the Natural Sciences, including biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and their intersections and is taught in English. We teach approximately 750 Dutch and international bachelor’s students. The programme has excellent and dedicated laboratory facilities to support our hands-on practical education and to accommodate our research needs. 

Curious?
If you have questions about this position, you can refer to: msp-secretariat@maastrichtuniversity.nl  

You can also apply directly using the button below.  

Please be prepared to upload:

• Cover letter with a description of your previous laboratory and field experience that could be applied to the study the EH schist and/or ceramic roofing tiles (not to exceed 4 pages in total);
• CV;
• Writing Sample;
• Contact information (names, e-mail addresses, and phone number) of two persons willing to provide references.

The application deadline is 13 March 2026.

We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,000 students and 5,000 staff members across 5 locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. Here, you are encouraged to push boundaries and discover new opportunities—for yourself and for science. Because real answers emerge when we work together.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.