Postdoc Researcher in Historical Wood Technology for ERC WoodCulture project

Position

For the ERC WoodCulture project we are looking for a PostDoc researcher with a PhD in (ship)archaeology, biology, forestry, geography, or related field, and with a strong affinity with ethnography, traditional wood working techniques and history. This is an on-site position based at the national Cultural Heritage Agency in Amersfoort (the Netherlands).

WoodCulture aims to explain the dynamic relationships and interdependencies between timber products and technological innovations in the continental Euro-Atlantic region during the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance (c. 1300–1600 CE). Expected results will redress biased perspectives about construction activities and timber supply (domestic vs. long distance) at a supra-regional level (continental Euro-Atlantic region). Within the wider scope of the project, the WP2 is dedicated to historical wood technology.

What changes are observed in wood technology related to buildings (timber-framed roof structures) and ship designs in the Euro-Atlantic region from 1300 to 1600? When did they occur? What caused them? Were they triggered by changes in the available timber assortments (resulting from forestry practices such as coppicing), or by improved woodworking techniques? Are these changes common at a supra-regional Euro-Atlantic level (indicating technological exchange), or are there infra-regional differences?

Job description

You will visit ethnographic museums in Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and elsewhere dedicated to traditional woodworking techniques (in shipbuilding and others) and will inventory the tools and their traces in wood and wood-processing methods through experimental archaeology. In collaboration with experts from TU Twente (Enschede) and LIACS (Leiden), you will test different methods of 3D scanning of timbers from different shapes to retrieve tool traces and wood-processing information, and will develop a protocol for the acquisition of 3D images. An algorithm will be developed by collaborators to automatically detect and classify wood-working features. Following the developed protocol timbers from buildings, shipwrecks and archaeological structures selected for research in WP1 will be 3D scanned to retrieve the tool marks and other associated woodworking information. The data and metadata produced in this WP (3D images and associated technological metadata generated by the machine-learning algorithm) will be compiled in a relational database developed for this purpose. This database will be link with the one developed in WP3, which will contain all information related to the sites, and the dates, provenance and other metadata of the timbers provided by WP1. Ultimately, the database will serve to analyse spatiotemporal shifts, representing an invaluable tool for the study of wood-related technological developments during the Renaissance of the North.

Additionally, you are expected to be actively engaged in outreach and dissemination activities, and to publish your finds in peer-reviewed journals.

Job requirements

What do we ask of you?

• You have a PhD in (ship)archaeology, forestry, geography, or related field, and with a strong affinity with ethnography, traditional wood working techniques and history. This is reflected in your PhD thesis, or in additional peer-reviewed publications as main- or co-author.
• If you lack a PhD title but have more than 4 years research experience as wood practitioner, with published peer-reviewed articles, your application will also be considered.
• Research experience with traceology is a bonus.
• You have excellent communication skills in (oral and written) English. Additionally, being able to communicate in Spanish, French and/or German is desirable.
• You have an academic working and thinking level with a demonstrable publishing track record and demonstrable affinity with woodworking techniques or traceology research.
• You seek cooperation with others, both internally and externally, are open in communication and dealings and you deliver tangible results. You are flexible, proactive, diplomatic and with high self-organising skills. A good team player who can work equally well as a part of a team as independently.
• Driving license B is a requirement.

• Send your motivation with CV no later than June 28, 2026.
• The first interviews are scheduled for weeks 28 and 29. Conversations will take place online.
• We aim to respond to your application within 5 working days after the closing date.
• Recruitment takes place simultaneously at an interdepartmental and external level.
• We work for the Netherlands and therefore want to be a reflection of our diverse residents. We value diversity at all levels within the organization. That is why we invite everyone to apply. We are curious about you, your personal motivation and your addition to our team.
• After the closing date, the vacancy text and the details of the vacancy holder will no longer be visible online. To avoid having to request it, we ask you to download and save the vacancy text.
• Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.