PhD in HEROIC: Forensic Evidence Recovery & Human Remains Identification

Organisation/Company Amsterdam UMC Research Field Anthropology » Physical anthropology Criminology Medical sciences » Medicine Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 13 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 36.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

HEROIC task – Human body Evidence Recovery, Outreach, Identification and Care task

The process of detecting, recovering, and identifying unknown human remains is complex and challenging. Investigators and forensic specialists face many practical and scientific challenges throughout this process. There is a clear need within the professional field to further improve and standardize methods for recovery, identification, and the collection and analysis of evidence from human remains.

For this PhD position, you will be jointly appointed at Amsterdam UMC (0.5 FTE) and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (0.5 FTE). This unique collaboration between two institutions offers you the opportunity to conduct research across different organizational and disciplinary environments. You will benefit from access to a broad range of expertise, resources, and facilities, as well as exposure to diverse research cultures and practice‑oriented approaches.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct innovative research aimed at improving the identification of human remains and the preservation of forensic evidence with a specific focus on DNA and fingerprints. You will investigate the impact of taphonomic processes on the persistence of forensic traces, optimise recovery and sampling techniques, and enhance identification tools. In addition, you will develop user‑friendly methods for rapid identification, particularly in the areas of DNA analysis and fingerprint examination.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including forensic practitioners, and international partners, to ensure that your research has real‑world impact.

The ideal candidate is curious, methodical, and hands‑on, with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, a professional approach to working with sensitive material, and a clear motivation to support justice and contribute to the future of forensic science.

• A Master’s degree in forensic science, biology, biomedical sciences, anthropology, or a related field
• Experience with DNA analysis and/or fingerprint analysis, or other trace evidence analysis
• Scientific curiosity and a keen interest in human decomposition, taphonomy or post‑mortem processes
• Laboratory skills, including various DNA analysis methods and other (bio) chemical techniques
• Strong communication skills and the ability to liaise effectively with international partners.
• Proficiency in English, with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• A detail‑oriented approach to data analysis, ensuring high‑quality and scientifically accurate results.

For this position, you will be appointed at both institutions for 0.5 FTE each. Both organizations have different employment conditions, and therefore both sets of terms will apply to you.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large‑scale and in‑house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross based on full‑time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year‑end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
• Holiday hours: 190.4 per year for full‑time and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern,…