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EURAXESS

1 Fully-funded Phd Fellowship in Archaeobotany (Anthracology, PhD 1)

1 Jun 2023

Job Information

Organisation/Company
University of the Basque Country
Department
Geography, Prehistory and Archaeology
Research Field
History » Archaeology
History » Prehistory
Biological sciences » Botany
Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country
Spain
Application Deadline
Type of Contract
Temporary
Job Status
Full-time
Hours Per Week
37
Offer Starting Date
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
HE / ERC
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No

Offer Description

The University of the Basque Country invites applications for 1 PhD fellowship in the framework of the ERC Starting Grant PalaeOriginsTracing the Epipalaeolithic origins of plant management in southwest Asia (ERC-2021-STG project 101039060).

The overall aim of the ERC project is to determine the timing and the factors that motivated the transition to food production in southwest Asia. The project centres on the study of the Epipalaeolithic communities (23-11.6 ka cal. BP) and seeks to understand how these hunter-gatherers became, for the first time, engaged with the management of plant resources. It uses a unique combination of traditional and most novel archaeobotanical materials, state-of-the-art stable isotope analyses, computational science, and theoretical models to move beyond traditional Neolithic-centred paradigms, and build a more accurate picture of a process that, ultimately, changed the course of our history.

This PhD position will seek to reconstruct pre-agricultural woodland management practices and the distribution and availability of plant resources during the late Pleistocene and the early Holocene transition(23-11.6 ka cal. BP). For this purpose the candidate will study the wood charcoal remains from a number of hunter-gatherer sites located in Jordan, Israel and Cyprus.

This call is open to international applicants. At the time of application the candidate should have completed a Master’s degree in Archaeology, History, Plant ecology, Botany, Biology, or a related research subject. The contract includes a stipend at the University of the Basque Country’s rate, full-time, up to 4 years. The contract will also cover research travel costs (i.e. research trips and conference attendance).

Requirements

Research Field
History » Archaeology
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field
History » Prehistory
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field
Biological sciences » Botany
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications

We look for a highly motivated and curiosity-driven person to especialise in the study of wood charcoal remains, which represent one of the most ubiquitous proxy data found in archaeological sites. The applicant is expected to have an understanding of, or willingness to learn about past vegetation and plant exploitation, climate and environmental change, and woodland management practices.

Among other tasks, the applicant will:

  1. Participate in a number archaeological fieldwork interventions in the study area, collecting and processing sediment samples through bucket or machine flotation;
  2. Conduct field trips to gather modern plant reference materials and reference datasets.
  3. Carry out laboratory work, primarily including the taxonomic and taphonomic analyses of wood charcoal remains and dendro-anthracology.
  4. Evaluate and integrate other existing proxies (non-woody plant remains, pollen, stable isotope analyses) and interpret the resulting information within the projects specific objectives.
  5. Collaborate with other specialists, and provide the necessary data to meet the objectives of the project.
  6. Disseminate results in scientific publications, presentations at international and national scientific events and other communication activities (e.g. digital storytelling).
Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent
Research Field
History » ArchaeologyHistory » PrehistoryBiological sciences » Botany

Additional Information

Selection process

The candidatures will be evaluated by a commission of five researchers. The selection process includes the evaluation of the CV, and an interview can be requested in case the commission considers it necessary. Although they are not mandatory, we highly encourage motivation and reference letters.

Additional comments

For submission:
1) Download the Word form called "solicitud" from the website and fill it in. You will need to include your CV, and certificates for each of the merits you present.

2) Add your complete personal academic certification (BA and MA, including courses, grades etc.).

3) If the University degrees are foreign, then you need to get the "Certification of mean average grade" issued by ANECA /you need to register as "persona física").
https://sede.educacion.gob.es/sede/login/inicio.jjsp?idConvocatoria=818

4) Add a copy of National Identity Document or Passport

To submit these documents there are 2 main options:

a) Go to the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country and register the application. You need two copies of the first page of the form "solicitud". You have to request the embassy/consulate to stamp both copies with a date/time. One of the copies will be included in the envelop together with the rest of the documents. The other copy has to be sent by email to this address: rrhh-inves.dgi@ehu.eus, stating the call number: PIFG22-69.

b) You can also send the application by post to this address:
Registro General de la Universidad del País Vasco
Campus de Bizkaia
Barrio Sarriena s/n
48940 Leioa, Bizkaia (País Vasco, Spain)

In this case too you need two copies of the first page of the form "solicitud". You have to request the post service to stamp both copies with a date/time. One of the copies will be included in the envelop together with the rest of the documents, and sent by post. The other copy has to be sent by email to this address: rrhh-inves.dgi@ehu.eus, stating the call number: PIFG22-69.

For more information about the submission procedure or any other question contact:

PI: amaia.arranzo@ehu.eus 

 

Website for additional job details

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Universidad del País Vasco UPV-EHU
Country
Spain
State/Province
Alava
City
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Postal Code
01006
Street
Dept. Geografia, Prehistoria y Arqueología, c/Tomas y Valiente s/n

Where to apply

E-mail
rrhh-inves.dgi@ehu.eus
Website

Contact

State/Province
Alava
City
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Website
Street
C/Tomás y Valiente s/n
Postal Code
01006
E-Mail
amaia.arranzo@ehu.eus