BEMÆRK: Ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
The Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, School of Culture and Society, Faculty of Arts, Aarhus University invites applications for a 2-year fixed-term postdoctoral position in the NeanderEDGE research project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark Sapere Aude scheme (grant number 9062-00027B).
The position is full-time and is expected to begin on 1 September 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter and ends with the NeanderEDGE project (31.07.2025).
The successful applicant will be based at the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, School of Culture and Society, Aarhus University, Moesgaard Allé 20, 8270 Højbjerg.
The university is keen for its staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified applicants regardless of their personal background.
Research contextWe are looking for an innovative scholar with a background in Prehistoric Archaeology preferably with a background in Neanderthal (Homo neanderthalensis) research with a specialization geared towards questions of dispersal, mobility, culture, ecology and/or adaptive behaviour. The NeanderEDGE project aims to explore how Neanderthals responded and adapted to the extreme climatic instability of the late Eemian and early Weichselian at the northern edge of their distribution. The crucial focus is on establishing the northern Neanderthal distribution boundary and on understanding human biogeographical-, adaptive- and local extinction dynamics in times of extreme climate change. The project focuses primarily on the timeframe from 130 – 60 kya, corresponding to the Eemian Interglacial and early part of the last glaciation. This period represents a critical episode between a preceding and ensuing warm phase during which Neanderthals had established a presence in northern Eurasia. Spatial focus is on the subarctic-boreal climate zones transition (~55°N) across Eurasia as a potential dispersal boundary and southern Scandinavia serves as a detailed regional case study to investigate the distributional edge of the Neanderthal range.
The successful applicant is expected to participate in project activities such as workshops, conferences, fieldwork and to work closely together with the other NeanderEDGE team-members (PI, postdoc and PhD student) as well as to engage with the research environment in the department.
Read more about the NeanderEDGEproject here https://projects.au.dk/neanderedge. The NeanderEDGE team collaborates with the new ECONOVO National Research Foundation Center of Excellence (https://bio.au.dk/forskning/forskningscentre/econovo) directed by Professor Jens-Christian Svenning and the ERC funded CLIOARCH project (https://cas.au.dk/en/erc-clioarch), led by Professor Felix Riede, with which we also share office facilities. There is ample room for the successful applicant to engage with and develop interdisciplinary collaborative research initiatives across these groups.
The positionThe successful applicant is given the opportunity to develop an independent line of research within the framework of the NeanderEDGE project including data collection, analyses, and interpretation as well as publication of these results in international peer reviewed journals, both as a first/lead author and on collaborative publication projects.
In the NeanderEDGE project we are currently working with a large dataset acquired from ROADS and supplemented within NeanderEDGE, spanning from 140k – 40 kya, which includes archaeological contexts from across Eurasia. The data include basic site information, faunal data (e.g. NISP of mammal species), lithic data, chronological data and more. These data serve as the foundation for the existing research projects of modelling Neanderthal niche and prey choice behaviour led by postdoc Peter Yaworsky.
In addition, the NeanderEDGE project has geoarchaeological field component through the work of PhD candidate Emil S. Nielsen, who is working on reconstructing the Eemian/early Weichselian lake landscape of southern Scandinavia using borehole data (collection of existing data and new coring campaigns) in order to identify potential hotspots of archaeological interest. We are also collaborating with international colleagues at the Drelsdorf Neanderthal site in Schleswig-Holstein, where we are preparing excavations for late summer 2023 and hopefully more field seasons to come. More broadly, the aim of the NeanderEDGE project is to synthesise the range boundary dynamics of Neanderthals across the northern Eurasian landscape, this work is led by PI Trine K. Nielsen, and will also be a key focus of the successful applicants.
The work of the successful applicant is encouraged to utilize and/or supplement the existing data and develop a complimentary independent research project in order to create synergy between NeanderEDGE group members and the ongoing subprojects.
A preference is given to applicants with a basic knowledge of Neanderthal archaeology within a northern Eurasian context, or a strong determination and willingness to learn. A familiarity with database/data management and quantitative methods is ideal, but not required. We encourage those with specializations that contribute to the ongoing development of the research to apply. These include, but are not limited to, quantitative archaeologists, lithic technology specialists, geoarchaeologists, zooarchaeologists and paleoecologists.
We offer a spot in a small but open and dynamics research team with room for high ambitions.
Applicants are asked to submit a research proposal [between 1-2 pages] in which they present an idea for a line of research within the overarching topic of northern Neanderthal adaptive/dispersal behaviour within the temporal and spatial framework of the NeanderEDGE project. In addition, applicants must submit:
- a concise statement of motivation for applying for the position (maximum one page)
- a maximum of five publications
- other documents listed in the section 'Formalities'
The successful applicant will be expected to:
- develop their research within the scope of the NeanderEDGE project,
- complement and contribute to ongoing research in the NeanderEDGE group,
- present their research at international meetings and publish results in peer-reviewed, international scientific journals,
- contribute to the organisation of research workshops and international conferences,
- teach at BA and/or MA level (maximum 20%, by agreement).
TeachingThe position will involve some teaching as agreed upon with the Head of the Department and the project PIs.
Knowledge exchangeThe successful applicant will be expected to exchange knowledge with various sectors of society and to contribute actively to public debate in areas related to the position.
QualificationsApplicants for this position must hold a PhD degree or have equivalent level in archaeology or a related field
Applicants must document:
- doctoral-level experience in Prehistoric Archaeology, preferably with a background in Neanderthal research or a related field,
- a relevant international research profile
- fluency in written and spoken English. Familiarity with the Danish language is not required, but a willingness to acquaint themselves with Danish is encouraged.
Please upload a maximum of five publications alongside your application.
Only submitted publications will be assessed; a list of publications is not sufficient. As a result, applications without submitted publications will not be assessed.
Professional references or recommendations should not be included. Applicants who are selected for an interview may be asked to provide professional references.
The application must be submitted in English.
For further information about the position, please contact trinekellberg@cas.au.dk
For more information about the application, please contact HR supporter Marianne Birn, e-mail mbb@au.dk.
The work environmentAt the Department of Archaeology and its associated research programme known as Materials, Culture and Heritage (MCH), we are concerned with people and the environment and culture and society from the earliest to modern times, with a focus on studies of material culture. On the basis of fieldwork and library and laboratory studies – including methods from anthropology, history and a variety of natural scientific approaches – the programme investigates and challenges our understanding of past societies seen in a deep historical perspective.
The MCH research programme at Aarhus University has an international profile and strong research networks. A dynamic research environment provides the framework for large research projects, international conferences and a variety of visiting researchers. The environment is versatile and cross-disciplinary, and the academic staff’s research competences span topics ranging from war and power, mobility and globalisation, family and individual, religion and rituals, landscape and settlement, palaeo-demography and evolution, trade and networks, technology and knowledge exchange to (in particular) quantitative analysis methods, field methodology and digital representation.
For a more detailed description, please visit: https://cas.au.dk/en/about-the-school/departments/archaeology-and-heritage-studies/materials-culture-and-heritage
School of Culture and SocietyAt the School of Culture and Society the object of research and teaching is the interplay between culture and society in time and space:
- From the traditional disciplines of the humanities and theology to applied social research
- From Antiquity to the issues facing contemporary societies
- From local questions to global challenges.
The school’s goal is to produce compelling research with an international resonance, as well as offering teaching and talent development of high quality. The school has a broad cooperative interface with society, both in Denmark and abroad, and contributes to social innovation, research communication and further and continuing education.
Qualification requirementsApplicants should hold a PhD or equivalent academic qualifications.
FormalitiesThe Faculty of Arts refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities (the Appointment Order).
- Appointments shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.
- Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.
- Further information on the application and supplementary materials may be found in Application Guidelines.
- The application must outline the applicant's motivation for applying for the position, attaching a curriculum vitae, a teaching portfolio, a complete list of published works, copies of degree certificates and examples of academic production (mandatory, but no more than five examples). Please upload this material electronically along with your application.
Aarhus University also offers a junior researcher development programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here: https://talent.au.dk/junior-researcher-development-programme/
If nothing else is noted, applications must be submitted in English. The application deadline is at 11.59 pm Danish time (same as Central European Time) on the deadline day.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.
Shortlists may be prepared with the candidates that have been selected for a detailed academic assessment. A committee set up by the head of school is responsible for selecting the most qualified candidates. See this link for further information about shortlisting at the Faculty of Arts: shortlisting
Faculty of ArtsThe Faculty of Arts is one of five main academic areas at Aarhus University.
The faculty contributes to Aarhus University's research, talent development, knowledge exchange and degree programmes.
With its 550 academic staff members, 240 PhD students, 9,500 BA and MA students, and 1,500 students following continuing/further education programmes, the faculty constitutes a strong and diverse research and teaching environment.
The Faculty of Arts consists of the School of Communication and Culture, the School of Culture and Society and the Danish School of Education. Each of these units has strong academic environments and forms the basis for interdisciplinary research and education.
The faculty's academic environments and degree programmes engage in international collaboration and share the common goal of contributing to the development of knowledge, welfare and culture in interaction with society.
Read more at arts.au.dk/en
The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
Deadline
04 July 2023
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Aarhus Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Aarhus Universitet, Moesgaard Allé 20, 8270 Højbjerg
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 04-07-2023; - ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Ved skriftlig henvendelse: https://au.career.emply.com/apply/postdoctoral-position-in-northern-neanderthal-biogeography-in-the-neanderedge-pro/4glviy/en
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/5853025
