[2] He obtained his doctorate there in 1913 with a German-language thesis titled: "Die Fauna der Wurten" under supervision of J.F.

[2] Van Giffen was employed by the University of Groningen as lector Prehistory and Germanic Archaeology from 1930 to 1939, in that latter year he was appointed extraordinary professor.

[3] Upon his retirement Van Giffen was named State advisor for the conservation and preservation of hunebeds and restored archaeological monuments.

[2] Van Giffen married Klaziena Geertruida Homan in 1911, the couple had two sons and two daughters before divorcing in July 1938.

Half a year later Van Giffen married Guda Erica Gerharda Duijvis, with whom he had no further children.