Tag: europe

Will you come and conduct research into wooden shipbuilding?

https://www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl/over-ons/werken-bij/4766/vacature-meyjes-wetenschappelijk-onderzoeker

The National Maritime Museum shows how water connects worlds. It is a high-profile and leading museum with one of the most exceptional maritime collections in the world. We welcome many visitors daily, ranging from museum enthusiasts to day tourists and school classes. In addition, the beautiful building is a wonderful event venue.

The “Het Meyjes Fonds” Foundation has established a named fund at the National Maritime Museum. Thanks to this fund, the National Maritime Museum can appoint a research scientist to conduct research into the history of Dutch shipbuilding.

For the Collection Development & Research department, we are therefore looking for a:

Meyjes scientific researcher (16 hours)


What are you going to do?

In this position, you will conduct scientific research into the history of Dutch shipbuilding, and in particular Amsterdam wooden shipbuilding up to and including the nineteenth century, and place this in an (inter)national context. A brief summary of the duties:

  • You conduct research into our museum collection and publish about it;
  • You contribute to the improvement of the documentation regarding the collection;
  • You contribute to the presentation of the collection in permanent and temporary exhibitions;
  • You contribute to the general objectives of the department. This includes, among other things, monitoring relevant developments in the field, maintaining a knowledge network, and answering substantive public inquiries.

Who are we looking for?

In this position, you will have the opportunity to further develop your research talent. You have basic knowledge of and an affinity with Dutch maritime history and archaeology, and in particular with the history of shipbuilding and engineering. Additionally, you are capable of using museum objects as a starting point for scientific research. Furthermore, we require:

  • A completed relevant university degree;
  • Knowledge of and experience with automated collection registration systems and other relevant computer software (e.g. Axiell Collections);
  • Fluent in Dutch and English, spoken and written.

What do we offer?

Your workplace is located in one of the most beautiful museums in the Netherlands. You will work with enthusiastic colleagues who all work for the National Maritime Museum with passion and expertise from their own disciplines. Furthermore, we offer:

  • A one-year contract for 16 hours per week. Subject to proven suitability, the contract will be extended to a maximum of 3 years.
  • The salary depends on education and work experience and falls within scale 10. The full-time salary in this scale ranges between €3,881 and €5,044 gross per month. The employment contract is concluded with the Netherlands Maritime Museum Foundation Amsterdam. The Museum Collective Labour Agreement applies;
  • 8% holiday allowance and 3.4% year-end bonus;
  • Participation in pension scheme and discount on collective supplementary insurance;
  • An NS business card for commuting (for >10 km one-way) or a net travel allowance of €150 per year (for <10 km commuting distance);
  • Room for your personal and professional development;
  • The possibility to exchange official public holidays for holidays and commemorative days that suit your cultural background or life philosophy;
  • Work out affordably at a gym near you via Corporate Fitness;
  • A museum card, free tickets to the museum, and discounts on activities through, for example, the Club of Eleven;
  • Discount on items from our own museum shop;
  • Regular fun activities organized by the activities committee;
  • A healthy and varied lunch selection in our staff restaurant.
  • Free fruit at work.

Respond

Do you recognize yourself in the profile and are you enthusiastic? Then apply as soon as possible, but no later than Sunday, November 22, 2026 , via the application button below.

For more information about the content of this vacancy, please contact Jeroen van der Vliet (Head of Collections), tel. (020) 5232 222. For questions about the application procedure, please contact the HR department, tel. (020) 5232 425.

We would like to mention in advance that a Certificate of Conduct is required as part of the selection procedure.

The National Maritime Museum aims to be a home for everyone. An inclusive working environment, where there is room for differences, where you feel safe, and where you can be yourself. With us, you will meet colleagues with diverse backgrounds and more varied expertise than you might think. From expert curators to enterprising marketers and passionate event managers. All connected by water. And by curiosity. In the world, and towards each other. So you are also very welcome.

Underwater Archaeology in Malta, Malta 2026 (Balkan Heritage Foundation)

Underwater Archaeology in Malta, Malta 2026 (Balkan Heritage Foundation)

This field school provides experience and training in underwater archaeology through participation in an ongoing research project – investigating the Late Roman Harbour at Marsaskala – along the South-Eastern coast of Malta.

The geography of the site and consideration of site formation processes inform our understanding of the archaeological deposit and how it relates to the surrounding region historically. Importantly, it positions the bay as a maritime access point to the immediately surrounding Roman settlement, the more significant settlement at Żejtun, and the sanctuary of Tas-Silġ. Marsaskala is one of three sea access points for these inland sites, together with St Thomas Bay and Marsaxlokk Bay. The increase in shipping during the Punic and Roman periods, along with advancements in shipbuilding and navigation, meant that larger ships carrying goods were travelling greater distances and more frequently than ever before. At the outset of a long journey, it would be difficult to predict the destination’s weather at the time of arrival. Having an easily recognizable landmark (Tas-Silġ) and three bays that guaranteed at least one option for safe anchorage in any wind condition played an important role in the region’s maritime importance in antiquity and to this day (Grima, R. & Mallia, J. 2011, p.244).

The site in Marsaskala is the subject of ongoing study and many research questions about the site persist. With growing pressure from coastal development, it is more important than ever that there are continued efforts to investigate and document the site. Most of the material recovered dates to the 6th century and, to a far lesser extent, from the 3rd to 5th centuries. It has been suggested that the relative abundance of LR1 and LR2 amphorae could point towards the presence of a shipwreck. Although no ship construction has yet been found, this remains a major question that future work at the site aims to address.

The most recent excavations carried out at the site (Oct. – Nov. 2025) located a piled rock feature that could potentially be a harbour structure or ballast pile, several glass artefacts, an oil lamp, a variety of ancient fishing weights, and largely intact LR1 and LR2 amphorae.

The site represents an interesting case where research gaps, development proposals, and natural climate-driven impacts are all important factors. This will work to better prepare students for work on a complex site that has been both formed and threatened by a range of anthropogenic and environmental factors. This field school is suitable for beginners in the field and aims to broaden knowledge, refine skills and propel students to further their career in Maritime and Underwater Archaeology.